JC-NRLF 


GIFT  OF 


PILGRIM  TERCENTENARY  COMMISSION 

r 

Louis   K.  LIGGETT,  Chairman 

ARTHUR   LORD  MILTON   REED 

GEORGE   H.  LYMAN  CHARLES   S.  BARNES 

WILLIAM   CARROLL   HILL,   Secretary 

Master  of  the  Pageant 

GEORGE   P.  BAKER 

Assistants 

VIRGINIA   TANNER,  in  charge  of  the  dances 
J.  W.  D.  SEYMOUR 

Conductor  of  the  Orchestra 
CHALMERS    CLIFTON    assisted   by    STANISLAO    GALLO 

Director  of  Chorus 
GEORGE   W.  DUNHAM 

Lighting 
MUNROE   R.  PEVEAR 

Costumes 

Designed   by   ROLLO    PETERS 
MRS.  CARR,  in    charge   of  the   making 

Technical   Director  of  Properties 
MICHAEL  C.  CARR 


PLYMOUTH  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE 

W.  E.  C.  NAZRO,  Chairman 
Miss   HELEN    FINNEY,  Secretary 

Miss  ROSE   BRIGGS 
MRS.  ARTHUR    LORD 
ALFRED  P.  RICHARDS 
MRS.  HENRY  W.  ROYAL 
MR.  PHILIP   STEGMEIER 
MICHAEL   D.  WELSH 
MRS.  SARAH   WOOD 

Costume  Committee 
MRS.  WOODS,  Chairman 

Master  of  Properties 
VINCENT  DOWLING 


PLYMOUTH  COMMITTEE  ON  CHORUS 

REV.  C.  F.  ANDREWS  G.  WEBSTER   DYER 

JOHN   BEEVER  GENO  GIVVANETTI 

EDWARD  BELCHER  CHARLES   GRANDI 

MRS.  BENNETT  DR.  HAYWARD 

SHERIFF  BLAKE  ROBERT   HOLMES 

Miss  MABEL  BODELL  THOMAS  LUNT 

WILFRED  O.  BROADBENT  REV.  CHARLES  P.  MARSHALL 

MRS.  FRED  BROWN  Miss  CECELIA  PARK 

Miss   LAURA  BROWN  MRS.  PAUL  PETERSON 

RICHARD  BROWN  Miss  MARY  PIMENTAL 

JOHN   COURTNEY  Miss  ELIZABETH  SAUNDERS 

JOHN   DAMON  DR.  SHAW 

FRANK   DANIELS  MRS.  ELLA   S.  STEVENS 

MRS.  DELANO  Miss  MARY  TROW 

EUGENE   H.  DORR  REV.  ARTHUR  WHITNEY 


V324 


jUL  I 


UNIVERSITY  CF- 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

A  PAGEANT  IN  CELEBRATION  OF  THE 

TERCENTENARY  OF  THE  LANDING  OF 

THE  PILGRIMS  AT  PLYMOUTH,  MASS., 

DECEMBER  21,  1620 

"I  am  very  confident  the  Lord  has  more 
truth  and  light  to  break  forth  out  of  his 
holy  word.  It  is  not  possible  that  full  per 
fection  of  knowledge  should  break  forth  at 
once."  JOHN  ROBINSON 


MUSIC  specially  composed  by  GEORGE  W.  CHADWICK 
CHALMERS  CLIFTON,  F.  S.  CONVERSE,  ARTHUR 
FOOTE,  EDWARD  BURLINGAME  HILL,  HENRY 
F.  GILBERT,  EDGAR  STILLMAN-KELLEY,  LEE 
SOWERBY  and  JOHN  POWELL 


VERSE  by  ROBERT  FROST,  HERMANN  HAGEDORN, 
JOSEPHINE  PRESTON  PEABODY,  and  EDWIN 
ARLINGTON  ROBINSON 


ST.  HELEN'S  CHURCH 
Austerfield,  where    William   Bradford  was   baptized 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

A  PAGEANT  IN  CELEBRATION 
OF  THE  TERCENTENARY  OF  THE 

LANDING  OF  THE  PILGRIMS 

AT  PLYMOUTH,  MASSACHUSETTS 

DECEMBER  21,  1620 

WRITTEN  AND  PRODUCED  BY 

GEORGE  P.  BAKER 

FOR  THE 

PILGRIM  TERCENTENARY  COMMISSION 
OF  MASSACHUSETTS 


ACTED  AND  SUNG  BY 
THE  PEOPLE  OF  PLYMOUTH,  KINGSTON,  DUXBURY 

AND  MARSHFIELD 

JULY  13,  14,  15,  16,  30,  AUGUST  1,  2,  3,  10,  11,  12,  13,  1921,  IN  THE 
STATE  RESERVATION  BY  PLYMOUTH  ROCK 


MARSHALL  JONES  COMPANY 
BOSTON 


COPYRIGHT,  1921 
BY  MARSHALL  JONES  COMPANY 

ALL  RIGHTS  RESERVED 


PRINTED  IN  U.  S.  A. 


THE  PROLOGUE 

As  the  Pageant  begins,  there  is  a  fanfare  of  trumpets 
passing  to  a  hymn-like  chord.  From  the  canopied  rock 
a  rich,  powerful  voice  speaks.  The  speaker  is  unseen. 

I,  the  rock  of  Plymouth,  speak  to  you,  Americans. 

Here  I  rested  in  the  ooze 

From  the  ages  primordial. 

Men  came  and  went:  Norsemen, 

Seamen  of  England,  voyagers  of  France,  Dutch  ad 
venturers; 

Over  and  round  me 

The  Indians  worked,  played,  lived. 

I  was  a  rock  of  millions  along  the  shore, 

Waiting, — for  what? 

Came  pestilence,  sweeping  the  Indians  from  the  land. 

Not  one  remaining  here  at  Patuxet,  Accomack. 

Cap   St.    Louis,    New   England,    as   the    Indian,    the 
French, 

Prince  Charles  of  England,  called  this  spot. 

Around  me  the  cleared  fields  waiting, 

The  bay  swarming  with  fish, 

The  woods  full  of  game,  all  waiting. 

I,  too,  waiting,  for  what? 

In  England,  growing,  the  spirit  of  man, 

Freed  by  his  Bible,  read  in  his  home, 

Studied  with  passion. 

Out  of  the  Church  of  England — a  Puritan. 

5 

548:121 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 


Out  of  the  Puritan,  Separatists — of  London, 

Of  Scrooby,  of  Sturton,  of  England, 

Seeking  freedom  of  thought,  of  living  by  truth. 

Out  of  the  Separatists,  driven  from  England, 

The  Pilgrim. 

England,  stern  mother,  refuses  him. 

Holland  the  foster  mother,  he  leaves,  still  searching 
his  freedom, 

Sails  westward,  and  comes  to  me, — 

By  chance,  by  choice,  who  knows? 

To  me  the  Pilgrims  come,  on  me  they  stand, 

As  one  by  one  they  land. 

Here  they  will  work  out  their  salvation. 

For  this  have  I  been  waiting,  waiting. 

Of  me,  the  rock  in  the  ooze,  they  have  made  a  corner 
stone  of  the  Republic, 

THE  PRELUDE 
Music  by  HENRY  F.  GILBERT 


EPISODE  ONE 
PILGRIM  ADVENTURERS 

THEY  that  go  down  to  the  sea  in  ships,  that 
do  business  in  great  waters. 

PSALM  evil,  23 


EPISODE  ONE 

SCENE  I 

THE  NORSEMEN 

This  and  the  following  five  tableaux  are  to  be  played 
in  pantomime  to  music  by  HENRY  F.  GILBERT. 

Ten  canoes,  with  three  Indians  in  each,  come  from 
the  direction  of  the  Rock.  Quickly  an  Indian  in  the 
first  canoe,  seeing  something  off  left  on  the  water,  ap 
pears  greatly  frightened.  All  flee.  Nine  Indians  who 
have  come  on  from  the  left  carrying  their  canoes 
take  fright  also.  They  drop  out  of  sight  beneath  their 
canoes.  From  the  right  comes  a  Norse  galley,  her 
men  on  deck,  the  Norse  pennant  flying,  and  THOR- 
WALD  in  the  prow.  The  ship  quickly  makes  a  landing. 
As  the  men  file  off,  led  by  THORWALD,  he  sees  the 
three  mounds  made  by  the  canoes.  He  breaks  his  men 
into  three  groups.  These  move  on  the  mounds.  On 
their  approach,  the  Indians  rise  from  two  of  the  canoes 
and  attempt  to  flee.  The  Norse  uncover  the  third, 
where  the  men  are  too  terrified  at  first  to  move.  Gen 
eral  fighting.  All  but  two  of  the  Indians  are  killed. 
One  is  captured,  one  escapes.  Taking  the  canoes  as 
trophies  high  on  their  shoulders,  the  men  turn  back 
to  the  ship.  As  they  pass  on  board,  one  of  the  watchers 
in  the  prow  signals  danger.  He  has  seen  the  Indian 

9 


£0 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

canoes  returning.  Up  go  the  shields  around  the  deck's 
edge,  like  a  wall.  In  goes  the  gang  plank.  The  In 
dians,  approaching,  let  fly  a  shower  of  arrows.  Silently 
the  mysterious  ship  moves  toward  them.  They  break 
and  flee.  Cautiously  the  wall  of  shields  is  lowered. 
THORWALD  is  evidently  in  distress.  In  pantomime  he 
shows  his  wound  to  the  death.  He  points  toward  the 
Gurnet  as  he  falls  into  the  arms  of  his  men.  Again 
the  wall  of  shields  goes  up  around  the  ship.  Silently, 
with  THORWALD'S  body  held  high  on  locked  shields, 
the  Galley  goes  out  toward  the  Gurnet, 


SCENE  II 
Tableau:    MARTIN  PRING — 1603 

Behind  the  tableau  three  men  in  sea-faring  costume 
of  the  time  hold  outstretched  an  English  flag  bearing 
the  words:  "MARTIN  PRING — Patuxet — 1603." 

As  the  lights  go  up,  some  of  PRING'S  men  are 
gathered  about  a  youth  playing  on  a  gittern.  PRING 
and  his  companion,  SALTERNE,  each  of  whom  holds  a 
mastiff  in  leash,  head  two  other  groups  of  Englishmen 
who  are  listening  to  the  player. 

Out  of  the  darkness  enter  Indians,  as  if  lured  by 
the  music.  One  goes  to  the  circle  and,  offering  a  pipe, 
gesticulates  that  he  wishes  to  dance.  Others,  coming 
up,  offer,  as  the  English  youth  hesitates,  long  snake 
skin  girdles  or  fawn  skins  which  they  wear.  The  gittern 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT II 

player  steps  out.  With  him  as  a  center,  the  Indians 
dance  something  half  comic  in  the  attempt  to  keep  time 
to  English  music.  They  hold  their  arms  within  the 
circle  or  gesticulate.  If  one  falls  out,  they  beat  him. 
As  the  dancing  grows  swifter,  the  dogs  spring  forward 
on  their  leashes.  The  Indians,  with  every  sign  of 
terror,  flee.  The  English  laugh  silently.  The  startled 
gittern  player,  stopping,  laughs  as  he  goes  to  them. 
The  lights  fade. 


SCENE   III 
Tableau:    CHAMPLAIN — July  19,  1605 

Behind  this  scene  stand  three  sailors  with  the  French 
flag,  bearing:  "SiEUR  DE  CHAMPLAIN — Cap.  St. 
Louis,  1605." 

The  lights,  shifting,  reveal  CHAMPLAIN  and  his  men 
examining  a  great  haul  of  codfish  which  two  Indians 
are  carrying.  Other  Indians  are  showing  the  hooks 
and  lines  with  which  they  catch  fish,  and  gesticulating 
that  the  harbor  is  full  of  them.  For  some  gifts,  in 
cluding  a  rosary  or  two,  CHAMPLAIN  buys  fish  for 
his  men.  Noting  the  growing  corn,  he  asks  about  it. 
The  Indians  take  from  a  cache  in  the  ground  grass 
bags  of  the  corn  and  dropping  it  from  hand  to  hand, 
show  that  it  may  be  ground  and  eaten:  this  in  pan 
tomime.  They  give  CHAMPLAIN  a  cake  to  eat.  He 
likes  it,  but  not  greatly.  He  buys  some  corn.  He  is 


12  THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

more  interested  in  the  turkeys  and  grain  offered  and 
bought.  Heavily  laden  with  provender,  his  men  move 
toward  the  shore.  The  lights  fade.  Plenty  is  the 
note  here. 

V 

SCENE   IV 
Tableau:    ADMIRAL    BLOK — Sprint? — 1614 

Behind  this  tableau  will  stand  three  male  figures  in 
Dutch  mariners'  or  soldiers'  dress  of  the  time.  They 
keep  stretched  a  huge  Dutch  flag  of  the  time,  bearing 
the  inscription:  "ADMIRAL  BLOK — 1614."  They  re 
main  statuesque  till  the  completion  of  the  tableau. 

The  lights  reveal  a  circle  of  Dutchmen  sitting  and 
standing,  some  smoking  long  pipes.  They  are  watching 
a  genuine  Indian  dance.  As  the  Indians  work  to  a 
climax  and  are  about  to  pause,  the  Dutch  applaud.  The 
lights  go  out. 

SCENE    V 
Tableau:  CAPTAIN  JOHN  SMITH — Spring — 1614 

Behind  this  scene  is  stretched  an  English  flag  of  the 
time,  bearing  in  large  letters  the  inscription:  "JOHN 
SMITH — Accomack — 1614."  Three  English  sailors  of 
the  period  hold  it. 

By  the  water's  edge  two  men  guard  a  small  open 
boat  of  SMITH.  He  and  four  of  his  men  are  bartering 
with  the  Indians  for  furs.  Two  of  the  men  stand, 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 13 

one  to  right,  one  to  left,  apparently  watching  the  barter 
ing  but  really  on  guard  for  any  treachery.  Two  of 
SMITH'S  men  are  placing  skins  already  bought  in  small 
hogsheads.  There  are  some  forty  Indians,  mostly 
males,  but  a  few  squaws. 

As  the  lights  go  up  the  bartering  is  at  its  height. 
Beaver  skins  in  bundles  and  loose  are  on  the  ground. 
On  one  or  two  such  piles  sit  Indians.  Others  carry 
or  wear  skins,  especially  of  the  better  sort,  such  as 
mink  or  otter.  SMITH  is  just  finishing  a  bargain  with 
a  leader  of  the  Indians  for  a  bale  of  beaver.  He  has 
exchanged  for  it  blankets  and  coarse  rugs.  The  beaver 
skins  are  handed  to  the  men  who  pack  them  in  the 
hogsheads.  One  of  them  who  has  been  moving 
about  calls  SMITH'S  attention  to  a  fine  skin  an  Indian 
is  wearing.  He  attempts  to  lift  it  to  show  SMITH. 
Resentment  of  Indian.  Quick  combined  fear  and  re 
sentment  of  group;  trouble  threatens.  The  English 
stiffen  to  attention,  but  SMITH  goes  among  the  Indians, 
bearing  a  bright  brass  kettle  and  a  blanket  striking  in 
color.  He  holds  them  out  persuasively,  adding  several 
strings  of  beads.  SMITH  smiles.  The  Indian  hesitates. 
SMITH  drapes  the  blanket  on  himself.  The  Indian 
yields,  and  takes  off  the  skin — a  beautiful  black  fox. 
Then  begins  an  orgy  of  selling,  the  Indians  stripping 
off  their  furs  and  even  following  the  English  to  the 
boat  as  the  latter  roll  the  hogsheads  to  the  water's  edge. 
The  Indians  stand  decked  in  their  new  glories  as  the 
lights  close  in. 


14 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

SCENE  VI 
Tableau:    THOMAS  HUNT — 1615 

Three  English  sailors  hold  outstretched  at  back  of 
Pageant  Field  an  English  flag  bearing  the  words: 
"THOMAS  HUNT — Patuxet — 1615." 

HUNT  appears  at  right,  evidently  scouting. 
After  looking  well  about  him  he  beckons.  Quickly  in 
single  file,  his  men  enter.  He  motions  them  to  ambush 
behind  shrubs,  and  as  if  hearing  something,  hides  him 
self. 

A  group  of  twelve  Indians,  among  them  Tis- 
QUANTUM,  enter  from  the  right,  by  Town  Brook, 
laden  with  pelts  and  fishing  apparatus.  Two  carry  a 
canoe  on  their  shoulders.  Wholly  unsuspicious,  they 
gather  in  a  group  to  make  ready  for  the  day's  fishing. 
Their  weapons  are  laid  aside.  HUNT  rises,  and  at  his 
signal  his  men  are  upon  the  Indians.  Some  try  to  flee. 
One  or  two  stagger  off  fatally  wounded.  Most  are 
captured  and  bound.  Gagged,  they  are  forced  toward 
the  edge  of  the  water,  where  a  boat  has  appeared.  As 
the  group  disappears,  the  despairing  figure  of  Tis- 
QUANTUM,  bound  and  struggling,  is  brought  into  re 
lief. 

SCENE  VII 

THE  PESTILENCE — 1618 

Special  Music  by  HENRY  F.  GILBERT 

As  the  lights  close  on  the  HUNT  tableau,  there  is 
darkness  for  15  seconds.  Then  for  45  seconds  the 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 


lights  come  on  slowly,  to  reveal,  where  there  have  been 
activity  and  plenty  in  the  preceding  scenes,  an  abso 
lutely  empty  space. 

SCENE  VIII 

SPRING — 1619 

A  group  of  ten  Englishmen,  heavily  laden  with 
provender,  enter  rapidly  at  right  in  single  file.  Midway 
walks  Captain  THOMAS  DERMER,  talking  earnestly 
with  an  Indian,  SAMOSET.  Close  behind,  as  if  ab 
sorbed  in  his  own  thoughts,  walks  another  Indian,  Tis- 
QUANTUM.  As  the  dialogue  begins,  the  sailors  pass 
DERMER  and  SAMOSET.  Going  near  the  water's  edge, 
they  drop  their  burdens,  to  look  off  as  if  watching  for 
a  boat.  TISQUANTUM  passes  DERMER  and  SAMOSET  to 
center  of  Field,  where  he  stands  looking  off  across 
the  harbor,  deep  in  gloomy  thought. 

DERMER 

( To  SAMOSET)  :  MASSASOIT  and  QUADAQUINA 
treacherous ! 

SAMOSET 

(He  speaks  English  less  well  than  TiSQUANTUM, 
and  brokenly)  They  would  kill  you,  Cap'n  DERMER — 
all  (with  gesture  toward  men).  He  (pointing  to  TIS 
QUANTUM)  say  no. 

DERMER 

But,  SAMOSET,  when  I  sent  for  MASSASOIT  to  meet 
me,  he  came  forthwith,  and  his  brother  QUADAQUINA, 


l6 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

with  sixty  warriors.    He  gave  us  kindly  entertainment. 
He  treacherous!     Surely,  no! 

SAMOSET 

He  thinks  you  come  like  other  Englishmen.  Captain 
HUNT — here — five  years  ago — he  kill  (with  gesture 
to  other  Indian)  TISQUANTUM'S  friends.  He  make 
him  slave. 

DERMER 

But  HUNT  was  only  one.    We — 

SAMOSET 

They  remember  the  English  captain  who  ask  the 
Indians  aboard  his  ship,  then  shoot  them  with  a  cannon 
— every  one — and  laugh  at  those  who  watch  him  from 
the  shore. 

DERMER 

But  SAMOSET,  you  know  that  I — 

SAMOSET 

MASSASOIT  and  QUADAQUINA  hate  your  people. 
English  have  done  much  wrong  here.  They  see  you 
English,  with  many  guns,  so  they  would  kill. 

DERMER 

(Turning  quickly)  TISQUANTUM!  (The  figure 
is  too  absorbed  to  hear.)  TISQUANTUM!  (Slowly 
the  Indian  turns)  Would  MASSASOIT  and  QUAD 
AQUINA  have  slain  us,  had  you  not  withstood  them? 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 


TISQUANTUM 

Why  question?     You  are  all  here. 

DERMER 

Nay,  answer  me  ! 

TISQUANTUM 

(After  a  pause)  Yes! 

DERMER 

Why? 

TISQUANTUM 

MASSASOIT  said  all  white  men  cheat,  steal,  slay  the 
Indian.  He  would  live  at  peace,  but  he  must  strike 
first. 

DERMER 

How  did  you  prevent  him  ? 

SAMOSET 

(As  TISQAUNTUM  hesitates)  :  He  say  you  not  like 
Captain  HUNT.  You  have  been  friend  to  him  —  and 
me.  You  kind  man.  While  you  sleep,  he  talk  one 
hour,  two  hour,  yes  three!  Then  they  say  —  this  time 
they  will  not  kill  you. 

DERMER 

This  is  true? 

TISQUANTUM 

(Unwillingly)  Yes. 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 


DERMER 

(With  an  amused,  ironic  laugh)  So  what  I  thought 
a  very  friendly  meeting  would,  except  for  you,  have 
been  a  massacre.  (TISQUANTUM  shrugs  silently.) 

SAMOSET 

You  not  understand  Indian.  Treat  him  well:  he 
do  same  to  you.  You  cheat,  lie,  steal,  kill:  he  re 
member.  Wait,  and  wait  —  seem  friend,  yes!  But 
long  time  after  he  strike.  He  never  forget. 

DERMER 

(Holding  out  his  hand  to  TISQUANTUM)  Come,  we 
will  but  look  to  the  southward  for  the  mines  of  gold 
I  am  sent  to  seek.  Thereafter  we  will  back  to  Mon- 
hegan,  where  our  vessel  waits  us  —  SAMOSET,  you,  and 
I.  Come  where  you  have  friends. 

TISQUANTUM 

No.     I  stay  here. 

DERMER 

SAMOSET  goes  with  me. 

TISQUANTUM 

(With  much  feeling)  :  Here,  just  here,  four  years 
ago,  a  man  of  your  people  killed  mine,  and  made  others 
of  us  captive.  Since  then  I  have  seen  many  men  ;  good 
and  evil  —  in  Spain  where  he  sold  us  as  slaves  ;  in  Spain 
where  the  good  friars  saved  me  and  others  from  slavery, 
helping  us  to  England;  in  London  where  Master 
SLANEY,  keeping  me  in  his  house,  taught  me  many 


THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT  19 

things,  even  the  English  that  I  speak,  and  at  the  last 
sent  me  back  to  Newfoundland.  But  always,  every 
where  I  have  wished  to  be  back  here  with  my  people. 

DERMER 

(Kindly) :  But  the  fields  lie  untouched.  All  your 
people  are  dead. 

TISQUANTUM 

Far  away  to  the  north  Indians  told  me  the  Great 
Manitou  had  put  his  curse  upon  them — my  good 
people ! 

DERMER 

The  pestilence.  (Pause)  Come,  TISQUANTUM, 
there  is  naught  for  you  here. 

SAMOSET 
Come!      (They  stand  on  both  sides,  urging  him.) 

TISQUANTUM 

No.     I  stay  here. 

DERMER 

Alone? 

TISQUANTUM 

These  fields  I  know — these  woods.  (With  a 
gesture).  With  what  I  remember  I  shall  not  be  alone. 

SAMOSET 

We  come  back  in  two — three  weeks.  You  here. 
We  take  you  to  Monhegan. 

DERMER 

Yea,  join  us  then. 


20 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

TISQUANTUM 

Nay,  I  will  not  go  to  Monhegan. 

DERMER 

You  love  the  place  well.  Faith  (as  he  looks  about) 
'tis  a  pleasant  spot,  this  Patuxet — the  cleared  fields, 
the  bay  swarming  with  cod  and  bass.  'Tis  as  if  'twere 
waiting  for  the  people  in  England  who  talk  much  of 
settling  on  this  new  continent.  I  would  that  the  first 
plantation  might  here  be  seated,  if  there  come  to  the 
number  of  fifty  persons  or  upward.  ( Turning  to  TIS 
QUANTUM)  Well,  I  think  you  wrong,  but  you  have 
done  me  too  friendly  an  act  for  me  to  withstand  you. 
Come,  my  men,  the  boat  waits  us  yonder.  (He  points 
left.  They  pick  up  their  burdens  and  go  out.  DERMER^ 
with  a  hearty  handshake  for  TISQUANTUM,  goes  also.) 

SAMOSET 

(Wistfully)  You  not  come?  (  TISQUANTUM 
shakes  his  head.)  I  come  back,  surely  yes.  If  you  here, 
I  stay. 

TISQUANTUM 

(Tensely)  :    I  shall  be  here. 

They  salute  in  Indian  fashion.  As  SAMOSET  lopes 
away,  TISQUANTUM  moves  to  center,  and  stands  look 
ing  off  across  the  harbor.  About  the  lonely  figure  the 
lights  close  in. 


EPISODE  TWO 
PILGRIMS  OF  THE  SOUL 

FOR  I  say  at  the  core  of  democracy  is  the 
religious  element. 

WALT  WHITMAN 


EPISODE  TWO 

SCENE  I 
THE  SOURCE. — Summer — 1523 

As  darkness  falls  on  the  last  scene,  there  is  the 
distant  sound  of  men's  voices  chanting  early  sixteenth 
century  church  music.  The  music  continues  during 
the  scene,  to  become  more  distant  in  a  moment  of 
silence  at  the  end.  A  youth  of  seventeen  comes  from 
left  to  right,  evidently  on  his  way  to  his  day's  work  in 
the  fields.  His  horse,  in  rough  harness  of  the  time,  is 
hitched  to  a  rude  plow.  From  the  right  comes  a  group 
of  seven  men  and  five  women,  dressed  as  religious  pil 
grims.  They  have  the  staff,  the  script,  and  the  water- 
bottle.  Two,  by  the  palm  they  wear,  have  been  to 
Rome.  Two  more,  wearing  the  shell,  show  that  they 
have  been  to  Campostella.  The  rest  have  the  bottle 
and  bell  which  prove  that  they  have  visited  Canterbury. 

THE   LEADER 

(As  they  enter)  Whence  this  singing,  lad? 

THE  YOUTH 

'Tis  the  monks  at  service  in  St.  Peter's. 

THE   LEADER 

And  where  may  Saint  Peter's  be? 

THE  YOUTH 

In  Sturton-le-Steeple,  the  village  hard  by. 
23 


24 THE   PILGRIM   SPIRIT 

THE   LEADER 

(Accenting  the  last  word)  Sturton-le-Steeple? 

THE    YOUTH 

(He  points  off  to  the  right)  Saint  Peter's  has  so  fine 
a  steeple  that  our  village  is  named  for  it. 

ONE   OF   THE   WOMEN 

Let  us  go  thither  for  service. 

THE  LEADER 

(As  there  is  a  murmur  of  dissent)  Nay,  we  had  our 
service  at  daybreak.  We  must  on. 

THE  YOUTH 

(As  they  move  off)  Whither  go  you,  masters? 

THE    MAN    NEAREST    HIM 

To  the  West  of  England,  where  be  our  homes  (Dur 
ing  the  talk  a  man  not  too  well  favored  and  a  little 
awkward  has  entered  from  the  same  side  as  the  Pil 
grims) 

TYNDALE 

(As  he  draws  near)  Pilgrims,  by  the  dress  you  wear! 
(He  points)  You  by  your  shells  have  been  to  Campos- 
tella,  and  you,  by  your  palms,  have  been  to  Rome. 

A    MAN    WHO    WEARS    THE    PALM 

Yea,  to  that  holiest  of  cities. 

A   WOMAN    OF    THE    THIRD   GROUP 

And  we  to  Canterbury  and  the  shrine  of  St.  Thomas- 
a-Becket. 


n:  o 


•5  E 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 


ONE  OF  THE  WOMEN 

Yesterday  we  were  at  Lincoln  Cathedral,  to  see  the 
holy  relics  there. 

TYNDALE 

Pilgrims!  "They  were  in  journeyings  often,  in 
perils  of  their  own  nation,  in  perils  among  the  heathen, 
in  perils  in  the  wilderness,  in  perils  in  the  sea,  in  perils 
among  false  brethren  ;  in  weariness  and  painfulness,  in 
watchings  often,  in  hunger  and  thirst,  in  fastings  often, 
in  cold  and  nakedness,"  This  it  is  to  be  Pilgrims. 

THE   LEADER 

These  words  sound  strangely.     Yours,  or  another's? 

TYNDALE 

Holy  Scripture.  Ye  may  find  them  in  Second 
Corinthians  of  the  New  Testament. 

THE  LEADER 

Nay,  I  read  no  Latin  or  Greek. 
The  others  who  have  looked  at  each  other,  puzzled, 
nod  assent. 

A   MAN 

I  would  the  Scriptures  were  printed  in  our  mother 
tongue. 

A  WOMAN 

Yea,  then  mightest  thou  read  them  who  can  to  us 
who  cannot. 

Chorus  of  eager  assent,  showing  that  few  can  read. 


26_ THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

TYNDALB 

(After  a  sharp  look  at  the  Pilgrims,  as  he  draws 
some  pages  of  writing  from  his  bosom)  Brethren  and 
sisters,  I  am  here  translating  the  New  Testament  for 
your  special  edifying,  consolation,  and  solace,  for  we 
have  not  received  the  gifts  of  God  for  ourselves  only 
or  to  hide  them. 

THE   LEADER 

Who  may  you  be? 

TYNDALB 

My  name  would  mean  naught  to  you.  I  am  a  poor 
scholar. 

The  LEADER  looks  at  him  in  suspicion  and  annoy- 
ance. 

A  WOMAN 

(Eagerly)  Is  the  work  nigh  done? 

TYNDALE 

Nay,  just  begun.  It  will  be  months,  perhaps  years, 
ere  it  be  done. 

THE  LEADER 

Take  heed,  poor  scholar,  lest  ye  fall  foul  of  the  laws 
forbidding  translation  of  the  Bible.  (Turning  to  his 
group,  he  motions  them  on). 

TYNDALE 

(Crying  out  to  him  as  he  goes)  If  God  spare  my 
life,  in  not  many  years,  I  will  cause  a  boy  that  doth 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT  27 

drive  a  plow   (he  points  to  the  plowboy)  shall  know 
more  of  Scripture  than  thou  dost. 

THE   LEADER 

Take  heed! 

The  Pilgrims  go  out,  two  or  three  of  them  looking 
back  wistfully. 

THE  YOUTH 

(Timidly)  Said  ye  a  plowboy  might  know  this 
that  ye  be  writing? 

TYNDALE 

Canst  thou  read? 

THE  YOUTH 

Very  little. 

TYNDALE 

Learn  ye  to  read  well,  then  shall  this  book  be  to  you 
as  the  very  staff  of  life. 

THE  YOUTH 

Will  you  not  tell  me  your  name,  good  sir,  that  I  may 
know  your  book? 

TYNDALE 

(After  a  moment's  hesitation)  WlLLIAM  TYNDALB. 
Farewell,  my  lad.  Do  not  forget. 

THE  YOUTH 

(As  TYNDALE  goes)  I  shall  remember.  (As  he  goes 
off,  driving  his  horse,  he  says  to  himself:)  WILLIAM 
TYNDALE!  WILLIAM  TYNDALE!  A  boy  that  doth 
drive  the  plow  shall  know  the  Scriptures  well!  'Tis 
very  wonderful. 


28 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

The  music  from  the  neighboring  church  swells  up, 
as  the  lights  blot  out  the  figures. 

SCENE  II 

MARTYRS  OF  THE  CAUSE — The  Fleet  Prison  on  the 
night  of  April  5,    1593 

The  lights  reveal  two  heaps  of  straw  in  a  restricted 
space.  A  man  in  Puritan  garb,  seated  on  one,  is  writ 
ing  rapidly.  Another  Puritan,  seated  on  a  stool  by 
the  other  heap,  is  apparently  correcting  some  written 
pages.  Both  men  wear  chains.  By  the  second  man 
stands  a  woman  who  holds  a  sheaf  of  papers,  and  is 
evidently  waiting  for  other  sheets  which  the  man  is 
writing.  As  he  passes  the  last  to  her,  she  hides  them  all 
in  the  bosom  of  her  dress. 

THE    WOMAN 

(Who  has  been  listening  strainedly)  Hasten,  hasten, 
JOHN.  It  is  time  for  the  jailor's  coming. 

GREENWOOD 

Patience,  wife.  This  copy  of  HENRY'S  book  (with  a 
nod  toward  the  other  worker)  must  be  so  clear  that, 
no  matter  what  befall  us,  our  friends  in  Holland  may 
easily  print  it. 

MRS.  GREENWOOD 

Am  I  to  give  this  to — ? 

BOTH  MEN 

(Quickly)  Hush. 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 29 

GREENWOOD 

Even  the  walls  of  this  prison  have  ears.  Yes,  he 
whom  you  know  will  cross  with  this  to  Leyden.  When 
he  brings  the  proof  to  you,  fetch  it  hither  in  any  of 
the  dozen  ways  you  have  shrewdly  devised  for  the 
many  books  we  have  written  here  for  the  cause  of  the 
Puritan  separation  in  spite  of  all  the  vigilance  of 
jailors  and  spies. 

THE  SECOND  MAN 

{Looking  up)  Good  my  friends,  your  correction 
of  the  facts  in  this  my  petition  to  Her  Majesty,  Queen 
Elizabeth.  "Above  eighty  have  been  committed  to  the 
prisons,  whereof  many,  through  the  tyranny  used  on 
them,  have  revolted  and  denied  their  faith,  and  so  were 
discharged.  Sundry,  through  great  straits,  being 
starved  to  the  point  of  death,  obtained  bail,  but  yet 
are  prisoners.  And  sundry  have  died  in  their  prisons 
of  famine  and  cold,  noisesomeness  of  the  place,  and 
beating.  The  rest  are  in  most  extreme  misery,  want, 
and  penury.  I  omit  how  many  have  been  cast  into 
irons  in  Newgate  prison,  and  the  boy  of  fifteen  years 
old  kept  in  a  dungeon  in  irons  a  whole  year,  which  boy 
is  yet  there  a  prisoner.  In  the  Clink  and  the  Gate 
house  will  be  found  six  poor  men  whom  the  Bishop  of 
London  hath  held  in  the  holes  of  these  prisons  now 
more  than  three  whole  years  and  three  months,  without 
so  much  as  sending  for  them  forth  to  any  trial,  or  ex 
amination.  If  law  might  be  looked  upon,  these  cases 
are  foul." 


3O  THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

MRS.  GREENWOOD 

(Breaking  in)  Say  you  nothing  of  what  hath  been 
done  to  JOHN  and  you,  HENRY  BARROW?  My  husband 
was  but  reading  the  Scriptures  in  a  friend's  house  to 
those  of  our  congregation,  and  for  this  must  he  be 
kept  here  for  the  greater  part  of  six  years. 

GREENWOOD 

Nay,  wife,  'twas  a  harder  case  with  HENRY,  who 
coming  forthwith  to  comfort  me  in  prison,  was  seized 
and  since  hath  been  held  prisoner. 

BARROW 

Nay,  they  would  have  had  me  sooner  or  later.  They 
knew  that  in  our  meetings  I,  as  well  as  you,  believed  the 
word  of  God  contained  in  the  Old  and  New  Testa 
ment  to  be  a  perfect  rule  of  faith  and  manners;  that 
it  ought  to  be  known  and  read  by  all  people,  and  that 
because  of  our  daily  reading  of  it,  though  we  believe 
the  Queen  to  be  the  supreme  governor  of  the  whole 
land,  we  hold  she  may  not  make  other  laws  for  the 
church  of  Christ  than  he  hath  left  in  his  word.  They 
knew  us  restless,  utterly  disliking  the  present  constitu 
tion  of  the  church  of  England,  and  because  we  believe 
the  changes  we  desire  impossible  within  it,  ready  for 
separation. 

GREENWOOD 

We  follow  St.  Paul,  saying  "Come  out  from  among 
them  and  be  ye  separate,  saith  the  Lord." 


THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT  31 

BARROW 

(After  listening  an  instant)  Let  me  close  ere  the 
jailor  come.  "The  cause  why  the  Bishop  of  London 
committed  them  and  sundry  others  was  for  hearing 
a  piece  of  the  New  Testament  read,  and  truly  ex 
pounded  on  the  Lord's  Day.  He  hath  destined  my 
brother  GREENWOOD  and  me  to  the  death — "  (MRS. 
GREENWOOD  cries  out  and  presses  closer  against  her 
husband.) — "all  the  others,  both  at  liberty  and  else 
where,  to  close  prison;  their  poor  wives  and  children 
to  be  cast  out  of  the  city;  their  few  goods  to  be  con 
fiscated.  Are  these  the  virtues  of  him  that  taketh  upon 
him  the  care  and  government  of  all  the  churches  of 
England,  thus  to  tear  and  devour  Christ's  poor  sheep? 
We  see  no  remedy,  being  thus  pent  up,  but  to  commit 
our  cause  and  lives  unto  Your  Majesty,  asking  the 
Lord,  who  knoweth  our  cause,  godly  purpose,  and  in- 
nocency,  to  incline  your  heart  toward  us  in  pity  and 
justice.  The  Lord  vouchsafe  that  we  be  not  con 
demned  unheard." 

MRS.   GREENWOOD 

(Who  has  been  listening  during  the  last  of  this  to 
some  approaching  sound)  Hush!  Some  one  comes! 

Sound  of  steps,  muffled  voices,  drawing  of  a  bolt. 
Lantern  light  shows  at  one  corner  of  the  space,  and  a 
brutal  faced  man,  the  JAILOR,  enters  with  a  young  man 
dressed  like  a  university  student.  BARROW  has  quickly 
put  his  letter  out  of  sight,  and  MRS.  GREENWOOD  has 


32 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

adjusted  her  dress  so  that  the  concealed  package  does 
not  show. 

JAILOR 

(As  they  turn  toward  him,  surlily)  These  be  the 
two  prisoners,  BARROW  and  GREENWOOD,  and  GREEN 
WOOD'S  wife.  (Turning  to  her)  Be  ready  to  leave 
when  I  come  back  from  my  round.  (He  goes  out). 

BARROW 

(To  the  young  man)  And  who  may  you  be? 
THE  YOUNG  MAN 

JOHN  SMITH,  student  of  Cambridge  University.  I 
come  from  FRANCIS  JOHNSON,  once  my  tutor  there, 
whom  I  visited  today  in  his  prison.  He  begged  me 
to  see  you  instantly  and  tell  you — 

GREENWOOD 

Special  danger  threatens  him? 

"-) 

SMITH 

Nay,  he  thinks  not  of  his  imprisonment  for  succeed 
ing  you  as  pastor  of  the  congregation.  For  you  he 
fears.  Today  Parliament  passed  a  bill  making  it 
punishable  with  death  to  hold  views  like  yours. 

BARROW 

(With  growing  bitterness)  Thus  the  Church  of 
England  makes  vain  the  Puritans  hope  of  the  purer 
religion  he  finds  in  his  Bible.  We  of  the  Separation, 
knowing  we  may  not,  within  the  church  of  England, 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 33 

choose  our  own  teachers  or  forms  of  worship,  have 
drawn  apart  to  worship  God  as  we  would.  Even  this 
liberty  we  may  not  have.  Tighter  and  tighter  our 
enemies  draw  their  nets.  No  Separatist  shall  escape. 

GREENWOOD 

There  is  no  surer  way  to  make  England  give  us  what 
we  want  than  to  add  unworthy  souls  like  us  to  the 
great  names  of  the  martyrs  for  the  truth. 

There  is  the  sudden  sound  of  clanking  chains,  this 
time  with  links  and  torches. 

BARROW 

(Quickly  handing  SMITH  his  petition)  This  to 
FRANCIS  JOHNSON.  He  will  know  to  whom  to  send 
it. 

As  the  lights  approach,  SMITH  conceals  it  in  his  hat. 
Ahead  of  the  JAILOR  appear  two  OFFICERS  of  the  law. 

THE    FIRST    OFFICER 

HENRY  BARROW  and  JOHN  GREENWOOD,  stand 
forth.  (They  obey.  He  then  reads  the  order  for  their 
execution  at  dawn.  There  is  a  moment's  pause  at  the 
close  of  the  reading.) 

GREENWOOD 

Where? 

THE    FIRST    OFFICER 

Tyburn. 

MRS.  GREENWOOD 

(Catching  her  breath)  How? 


34 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

SECOND   OFFICER 

(With  a  leer  and  a  gesture)  To  hang  by  the  neck 
until  dead. 

BARROW 
Like  common  felons. 

FIRST    OFFICER 

(Sneeringly)   As  felons,  yes. 

The  OFFICERS,  with  an  unheard  word  to  the 
JAILOR,  exeunt.  MRS.  GREENWOOD  throws  herself  into 
the  arms  of  her  husband.  The  JAILOR  tries  to  put  out 
MRS.  GREENWOOD  and  SMITH,  but  for  a  bribe  given 
by  GREENWOOD  allows  MRS,  GREENWOOD  to  stay. 

SMITH 

(As  he  clasps  in  turn  the  hands  of  the  two  men)  I 
go  to  warn  the  congregation.  I  shall  be  at  the  gate 
before  dawn  to  give  you  the  loves  of  these  your  friends 
of  the  church,  who  will  be  praying  for  you.  (Deeply 
moved,  he  goes  quickly.  There  is  an  instant  of  silence.) 

GREENWOOD 

(Gently  to  his  'wife,  who  is  sobbing  in  his  arms) 
Remember,  wife,  the  words  of  him  who  is  like  us  in 
prison,  his  life  threatened  for  his  beliefs,  JOHN  PENRY 
of  Wales.  "If  my  blood  were  an  ocean  sea,  and  every 
drop  thereof  were  a  life  unto  me,  I  would  give  them 
all  by  the  help  of  the  Lord  for  the  maintenance  of  the 
same  my  confession." 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT  35 

MRS.    GREENWOOD 

Yes,  mine  if  you  will,  but  not  yours!     Not  yours! 
(Wanly)   Perchance  there  may  be  another  respite. 
BARROW 

(Who  has  been  walking  up  and  down)  Nay,  no 
more  respites.  Last  month  they  had  struck  off  our 
chains  and  stood  ready  to  bind  us  to  the  cart  to  take 
us  to  our  deaths.  A  reprieve.  Another  day  they  took 
us  to  the  place  of  execution  and  tied  the  nooses  around 
our  necks  to  the  gallows.  Again  a  reprieve.  Enough 
of  reprieves!  What  our  words,  what  our  lives  could 
not  do,  our  deaths  will.  Men  pass;  ideas  abide. 

MRS.   GREENWOOD 

JOHN.  HENRY.  Pray!  I  cannot.  Pray  that  God 
give  me  strength. 

As  her  husband  comforts  her,  BARROW  begins  pray 
ing.  Distantly  a  bell  strikes  ten. 

MRS.   GREENWOOD 

Only  seven  hours  to  daybreak!     Only  seven. 

She  clings  to  GREENWOOD,  sobbing  hysterically.  To 
the  sound  of  BARROW'S  half  audible  praying,  the  lights 
close  in. 

SCENE   III 

THE  OPPOSITION — April,  1603 

The  Royal  March  in  this  scene  was  composed  by 

EDWARD  BURLINGAME  HILL 

The  lights  come  up  quickly  and  full.  There  is  a 
rush  and  flurry  of  children  and  young  people  across 


36  THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

the  Field,  from  left  to  right,  and  the  sound  of  gay 
music  from  the  point  toward  which  the  children  are 
running.  The  Field  fills  rapidly  with  some  hundred 
people, — men,  women,  and  children,  of  all  types  and 
kinds.  From  the  right,  to  a  triumphant  march,  KING 
JAMES  enters  in  royal  Progress.  First  come  two  mounted 
officers;  behind  them  three  whifflers  with  staves;  and 
behind  these  some  thirty  soldiers.  Between  the  three 
whifflers  and  soldiers  walk  bagpipers.  After  the 
soldiers,  with  his  nobles  and  dignitaries  about  him,  all 
mounted,  comes  JAMES.  In  his  retinue  are  the  EARL 
OF  ARGYLE,  the  DUKE  OF  LENNOX,  the  EARL  OF 
MORAY,  the  EARL  OF  CASSILIS,  the  EARL  OF  MAR, 
LORD  HOME,  LORD  OLIPHANT,  the  BISHOPS  OF  Ross, 
GLASGOW,  and  DUNKELD,  the  FRENCH  AMBASSADOR, 
his  WIFE,  carried  in  a  chair,  slung  between  poles,  borne 
on  the  shoulders  of  four  bearers,  two  Frenchmen  of 
rank,  six  Englishmen  of  rank,  ten  Englishwomen  of 
rank,  and  fourteen  Scotchmen  of  position  about  the 
court.  There  are  fifty  riders  in  all,  men  and  women. 
Twenty  more  soldiers  bring  up  the  rear.  The  crowd 
which  has  come  to  greet  the  KING  fairly  blocks  the 
procession  as  the  march  ends.  A  halt  is  called.  As 
the  Progress  pauses,  enter  from  different  sides  town  dig 
nitaries,  and  the  SHERIFF  OF  NOTTINGHAM,  with 
twenty  of  his  men,  brilliantly  clad.  All  these  come 
with  doffed  caps  to  pay  their  respects  to  the  KING. 
In  the  press  of  the  salutations,  there  are  cries  and 
scuffling  in  the  crowd,  near  the  KING. 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 37 

VOICES 

Catch  him.  Stop,  thief.  (Then  a  prolonged) 
Ah-h-h! 

The  crowd  has  fallen  on  a  scared-looking  man  of 
thirty  and  hustles  him  to  the  KING. 

VOICES 

Justice! — Justice,  your  Majesty! 

THE    KING 

( Turning  to  the  EARL  OF  ARGYLE,  who  rides  on  his 
right  a  little  behind  him)  Why  all  this  noise? 

THE  EARL 

(With  a  gesture  that  dismisses  the  subject)  'Tis  but 
some  common  pick-purse. 

THE    KING 

Nay,  then,  (playing  to  his  audience)  these  English 
are  my  people  now.  (Turning  toward  the  crowd) 
What  would  you,  my  friends? 

CONFUSED  VOICES 

'Tis  a  rascal. — A  thief. — A  pick-purse,  your  Majesty. 

THE  MAN 

(In  agony)  No,  no,  hear  me. 

THE    ACCUSER 

Yes.    'Twas  my  purse  he  tried  to  pick. 

THE  MAN 

No,  no,  I  but  came  against  him  in  the  press  of  the 
crowd. 


THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT 


AN    OLDER    MAN    IN    THE    GROUP 

He  may  speak  the  truth.     I  was  close  beside  him 
and  saw  nothing. 

THE    KING 

Stand  forth,  varlet.  (The  man  comes  forward 
timidly  )  Now  —  stole  you  or  not  ? 

THE  MAN 

Nay,  nay,  I  swear   .    .    . 

VOICES 

He  did.  —  Aye  —  We  saw  him. 

THE    KING 

(After  looking  the  man  over)  I  know  not  whether 
ye  speak  truth  or  be  lying,  but  ye  shall  be  made 
an  example,  that  there  may  be  no  picking  and  stealing 
in  this  my  progress  from  Edinboro  to  London.  (He 
turns  to  the  SHERIFF  OF  NOTTINGHAM)  See  that  he 
be  kept  close. 

THE  MAN 

Shall  I  not  have  trial? 

THE    KING 

(Angrily)  Nay,  I  have  said  it  is  my  will  that  ye  be 
kept  close.  (There  is  a  growing  murmur  of  dissent 
from  the  people  not  in  the  accusing  group,  quickly 
checked.) 

THE  SHERIFF 

How  long  shall  he  be  kept  prisoner,  Your  Majesty  ? 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 39 

THE    KING 

(Imperiously)  Till  it  is  my  will  he  shall  go  free. 

The  SHERIFF  suppresses  quickly  a  look  of  surprise, 
and  in  turn  checks  with  a  look  a  slight  murmur  of  dis 
sent  among  the  people.  The  KING  turns  to  a  group  of 
six  men  in  clerical  garb  which  is  approaching.  They 
kneel  to  the  KING. 

THE   LEADER 

Your  Majesty,  we  come  to  beseech  you,  representing 
some  one  thousand  of  your  loyal  Puritan  subjects,  to 
consider  this  their  petition. 

THE    KING 

What  concerns  it? 

THE  LEADER 

The  greater  purity  of  religion  in  this  your  realm 
and  its  administration. 

THE    KING 

Some  word  of  this  Millenary  Petition  hath  come  to 
me.  (He  glances  at  the  headings  of  the  petition,  which 
has  been  opened  for  him  by  the  DUKE  OF  LENNOX  on 
his  left  and  passed  to  him.)  Is  here  the  list  of  changes 
desired  in  the  service  of  our  church,  and  (turing  to  the 
BISHOPS  about  him)  for  the  better  curbing  of  your 
power,  my  lord  BISHOPS.  This  (he  strikes  the  docu 
ment)  would  put  you  out  of  office.  I  know  what, 
then,  will  become  of  my  supremacy.  No  bishop,  no 
king.  Then  Jack  and  Tom  and  Will  should  meet, 


40 THE   PILGRIM   SPIRIT 

and  at  their  pleasure  censure  me  and  my  council  and 
their  proceedings. 

THE   LEADER 

We  humbly  beg  Your  Majesty  to  name  an  early  day, 
after  your  crowning  at  London,  when  these  matters 
which  lie  close  to  the  hearts  of  thousands  of  your 
loyal  subjects  may  be  well  considered. 

THE    KING 

All  in  good  time.  Word  shall  be  sent  you.  (As 
the  group  still  waits  he  adds  grudgingly)  It  shall  be 
soon.  (To  the  surrounding  group)  A  Puritan  is  a 
Protestant  scared  out  of  his  wits.  I  shall  make  them 
conform  or  I  will  harry  them  out  of  this  land — or 
else  do  worse.  (He  turns  his  horse  away.) 

At  this  signal,  the  bagpipes  skirl,  the  crowd  cheers 
and  huzzas.  Brilliant,  powerful,  arrogant,  the  pro 
cession  sweeps  off  at  the  left,  leaving  the  little  group 
of  black-robed  petitioners  unsure,  hoping  against  hope. 
As  the  bagpipes  cease,  the  concealed  choir  sings 

THE  HARRYING  CHORUS 

BY  HERMANN  HAGEDORN 
Music  by  EDGAR  STILLMAN-KELLEY 

THE  KING'S  MEN 

The  Crown !    The  Church !    The  Law ! 
Bow  down 
In  awe! 


THE   PILGRIM   SPIRIT 4! 

Bugles,  be  loud! 

Banners,  unroll! 

Shoulder  and  knee  be  bowed ! 

Be  prostrate,  brain  and  soul! 

From  heaven  to  earth  brought  down, 

Rejoice !    A  mystic  thing ! 
The  Law!    The  Church!    The  Crown! 

Made  one  in  the  King, 
God's  choice! 

ONE  OF   THE   PURITANS 

What  of  the  thin,  small  voice? 

THE  KING'S  MEN 
What  heart  rebellion  flings? 
There  is  no  voice  but  the  King's ! 

ONE  OF  THE  PURITANS 

There  is  a  voice — 

THE  KING'S  MEN 
No   more ! 

ONE  OF  THE  PURITANS 

There  is  a  voice,  I  hear  it ! 
In  heaven  God  opens  a  door 

And  calls  to  my  spirit! 
And  I  as  I  hear  will  go 

Where  the  voice  cries,  "Follow  me!" 
Though  the  deep  seas  overflow 

And  the  dark  night  swallow  me. 


42 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

THE    KING'S   MEN 

The  word  of  the  King:    Obey! 

Earth  shall  not  hide  you,  or  sea! 
Swords  shall  fall  where  you  stay, 

Spears  shall  fly  where  you  flee! 

ONE  OF  THE   PURITANS 

Christ  will  watch  over  me! 

THE  KING'S  MEN 
Enemies  to  the  King! 
Kindlers  of  holy  ire! 
Harry  them  with  snare  and  sling 
Harry  them  with  fire! 
Harry  them  with  jeers, 
Harry  them  with  spite, 
Harry  them  with  fears, 
Harry  them  with  might! 
Strike  down  their  hands  and  bind  them! 
Crash  prison  doors  behind  them ! 
Harry  them  by  night,  by  day! 
Till  they  bow  down,  and  obey ! 

THE    PURITANS 

Thunder,  and  cry  out! 

Not  with  the  flash  of  a  sword, 
Not  with  a  shout  will  ye  turn  and  rout 

A  host  whose  captain  is  the  Lord! 
Harry,  imprison,  pursue! 

Your  foe  is  not  what  you  deem. 


THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT 43 

In  the  black  night,  face  to  face  with  you, 
Behold,  not  men  but  a  dream! 

THE  KING'S  MEN 
The  King!     Supreme! 

THE  PURITANS 

A  dream! 

Behold,  through  hate  and  derision 

Behold,  through  battle  and  fright, 

Over  the  tumult  a  vision — 

A  spark,  a  flicker,  a  light! 

A  hoping,  a  groping,  a  yearning! 

A  flashing  brighter  than  steel! 
A  roaring,  a  flaming,  a  burning 

To  make  men  tremble,  and  kneel! 
On  strange  new  shores  it  shall  greet  you 

And  shrivel  your  lifted  hands! 
In  your  palace-hall  it  shall  meet  you 

And  wither  your  King  where  he  stands! 

From  everywhere  seem  to  come  licking  tongues  of 
music,  giving  far-away  intimations  now  of  "Yankee 
Doodle",  now  of  the  "Star  Spangled  Banner" ,  now  of 
"The  Battle  Hymn  of  the  Republic"  now  of  "Onward 
Christian  Soldiers" 

THE  KING'S  MEN 
Voices  from  everywhere! 
What  spirit  is  in  the  air? 


44  THE   PILGRIM   SPIRIT 

THE  PURITANS 

Freedom ! 
Freedom ! 
Freedom ! 

Lord  God,  giver  of  light! 

Breath  of  that  still  small  voice! 
Who  settest  man  twixt  wrong  and  right 

And  givest  him  his  choice! 
Lord  of  free  men,  though  kings  oppress, 

Thy  holiest  charge  shall  we  decry! 

The  well  of  dreams  and  holiness 

We  will  keep  pure,  though  we  die! 


SCENE  IV 

THE  PILGRIM  FATHERS — Scrooby 
May-June,    1608 

The  brightening  lights  show  only  at  small  section  of 
the  Pageant  Field.  A  post  horn  sounds  off  left,  and 
again  nearer.  At  once  out  of  the  darkness  comes  a 
youth,  leading  two  saddle  horses  at  a  brisk  trot.  From 
another  direction  an  old  man  looking  a  little  like  an 
inn-keeper  enters  with  a  tankard  and  cups.  Rapidly 
from  the  left  comes  a  post-boy,  blowing  his  horn,  and  a 
second  rider.  The  latter  flings  himelf  from  his  horse, 
and  going  up  to  the  old  man,  takes  a  cup  of  ale  offered 
him.  In  the  dialogue  which  follows,  the  post-boy 
changes  his  saddle  bags  to  fresh  horses. 


THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT  45 

THE  STRANGER 

( With  a  French  accent)    What  place  is  this ? 

THE  OLD  MAN 

Scrooby  village  and  post,  sir. 

THE  STRANGER 

I  must  to  London  instantly. 

THE  OLD  MAN 

(Urgently)  Can  you  not  refresh  yourself  in  the 
post  house,  sir?  We  have — (as  the  stranger  pours  him 
self  a  second  cup)  good  ale  and  provender. 

THE  STRANGER 

(Nodding  assent)  Time  presses.  How  far  to  Lon 
don? 

THE  OLD  MAN 

One  hundred  and  fifty  miles. 

THE  STRANGER 

Your  charge  for  these  horses? 

THE  OLD  MAN 

As  at  all  the  posts  of  his  Majesty.  Tuppence 
the  mile, — and  a  penny  for  the  ale. 

THE  STRANGER 

(As  he  pays)  And  to  the  next  post  is — 
THE  OLD  MAN 

Some  fifteen  miles,  sir.  But  can  you  not  stay,  sir, 
to  see  this  the  manor  of  Scrooby  ?  'Twas  once  a  favor- 


46 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

ite  hunting  lodge  of  the  great  Cardinal  Wolsey.     'Tis 
somewhat  fallen  into  decay,  yet  a  fine  place. 

THE   STRANGER 

(As  he  puts  foot  in  stirrup)  Are  you  its  owner? 

THE  OLD  MAN 

Nay,  Master  WILLIAM  BREWSTER,  who  was  some 
time  in  the  service  of  her  late  Majesty  in  Scotland, 
England,  and  the  Low  Countries.  He  hath  been  master 
of  the  post  for  twenty  years. 

THE  STRANbER 

(In  the  saddle)  'Tis  not  what  was  fine  a  century 
ago  which  concerns  me,  but  what  is  happening  in 
London  in  this  month  of  May,  1608.  I  lose  time. 
Your  ale  is  good.  (As  he  spurs  his  horse  and  signals 
to  the  post,  they  dash  off  with  post  horn  blowing. 
Grumbling,  the  old  man  hands  the  salver  to  the  youth 
who  held  the  horses.  As  he  draws  a  book  from  his 
pocket  and  makes  entries  in  it,  the  lights  close  in.} 

The  lights  now  show  a  remoter  part  of  the  Field. 
Two  children,  JONATHAN  BREWSTER,  fifteen,  and 
PATIENCE,  his  younger  sister,  are  evidently  watching 
something. 

JONATHAN 

PATIENCE,  if  I  rest  my  hand  on  my  hip  thus,  what 
do  you? 

PATIENCE 

Slip  away,  JONATHAN,  to  warn  mother  that  men 
who  may  be  hunting  for  Father  be  come.  What  be  all 


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THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 47 

the  older  folks  talking  of  in  the  inner  court?     There 
must  be  five  score  of  them. 

JONATHAN 

Sh-h-h!  (He  is  on  the  alert,  but  pretends  to  be 
tossing  pebbles  from  hand  to  hand.  To  his  relief  the 
hostler  of  the  preceding  scene  enters,)  Came  any  one 
with  the  post,  THOMAS  ? 

THOMAS 

A  passer-by, — A  Frenchman  by  his  English.  (As  he 
goes  off)  Where  meets  the  congregation  ? 

JONATHAN 

The  inner  courtyard.  'Tis  well  guarded  against 
spies  and  evil-minded  neighbors.  Pastor  CLIFTON'S 
boys  are  at  the  garden  end,  watching,  and  there  be 
children  all  about  to  give  warning,  if  any  stranger  or 
known  enemy  draw  near. 

(The  hostler,  nodding  understanding,  has  gone  on.) 
He  careth  not.  Mother  says  they  meet  today — (He 
stops  alert  because  an  old  man  is  entering.  Barring 
his  way)  What  would  you,  sir? 

THE  MAN 

Enter  and  speak  with  Master  BREWSTER. 

JONATHAN 

He  is  awav  on  a  journey. 

THE  MAN 

Nevertheless  I  will  enter. 


48  THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

JONATHAN 

Nay.  Let  me  take  your  message,  and  see  if  there 
be  anyone  within  to  receive  you.  (His  hand  goes  to 
his  hip.  PATIENCE,  who  has  been  backing  away  dur 
ing  the  dialogue,  turns  to  run  in.) 

THE  OLD  MAN 

(Suddenly,  in  a  different  voice)  PATIENCE!  Daugh 
ter!  JONATHAN!  (The  children  look  at  him  a  mo 
ment  and  then  are  in  his  arms,  crying.) 

THE  CHILDREN 

Father!— Why  like  this? 

THE  MAN 

For  safer  journeying,  now  that  the  country  is  laid 
for  WILLIAM  BREWSTER.  Let  us  in. 

JONATHAN 

Nay,  I  must  still  watch. 

BREWSTER 

Good  lad.  (PATIENCE  tries  to  slip  her  hand  into 
BREWSTER'S)  Nay,  little  daughter,  not  thus,  till  we  be 
safe  inside.  ( With  JONATHAN  watching  affectionately, 
the  two  disappear  side  by  side.  The  lights  close  in.) 

The  lights,  penetrating  the  Field  still  deeper,  reveal 
some  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  women  and  children 
in  Puritan  garb,  sitting  and  standing  about,  as  if  in 
conference.  A  group  of  children  are  at  the  back  of 
the  scene  as  if  watching.  At  the  center  of  the  group  is 


THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT 49 

RICHARD  CLIFTON,  a  man  of  fifty-five,  who  apparently 
has  just  finished  speaking.     We  hear  his  last  words. 

CLIFTON 

We,  true  Christians,  united  by  a  willing  covenant 
made  with  God,  have  placed  ourselves  under  his  gov 
ernment,  keeping  the  divine  law  in  a  Holy  Communion. 
We  would  hold  our  religion  pure  by  making  our  lives 
accord  with  our  daily  reading  of  the  Bible.  Surely 
there  is  no  sin  in  this.  Yet  we  may  not,  by  the  laws 
of  England,  meet  as  we  wish,  nor  choose  our  religious 
leaders. 

JOHN   CARVER 

( Who  stands  at  one  side  with  his  wife,  CATHARINE 
WHITE.)  It  is  a  case  intolerable,  Master  CLIFTON. 

CLIFTON 
Yea,  JOHN  CARVER. 

FRANCIS  JESSOP 

Our  houses  watched! 

ANOTHER  VOICE 

Worse  than  that,  FRANCIS  JESSOP.  Our  friends  and 
we  ourselves  in  prison. 

CARVER 

The  laws  which  sent  HENRY  BARROW  and  JOHN 
GREENWOOD  to  prison  and  death,  which  killed  the 
sainted  JOHN  PENRY,  which  have  filled  the  prisons 
with  men,  women  and  children  like  ourselves,  to  waste 
and  die  there, — these  laws  are  now  leveled  against  us. 


50 THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

JESSOP 

Yea,  for  a  meeting  like  ours  here  today,  any  of  us 
may  be  jailed  without  bail,  and  if,  within  three  months 
we  do  not  publicly  confess  in  church  our  error,  we 
must  leave  the  realm. 

THE    OTHER   VOICE 

Ay,  more;  if  then  we  do  not  leave,  or  we  return 
without  permission,  ours  will  be  the  felon's  death. 

CARVER 

(Sternly)  A  week  ago  I  was  at  York,  and  would 
have  speech  with  our  brother-in-God,  GERVASE 
NEVILLE. 

CLIFTON 

'Tis  months  now  since  the  officers  of  the  Archbishop 
of  YORK  dragged  him  from  his  home  for  worshipping 
with  us. 

BRADFORD 

(Indignantly)  The  word  goes,  they  have  forced 
him  to  testify  against  us. 

CARVER 

Nay,  Master  BRADFORD.   He  hath  refused  to  answer. 

ROBINSON 
Were  you  denied  sight  of  him? 

CARVER 

Yea,  friend  ROBINSON.  Except  by  very  special  per 
mission,  he  may  have  no  liberty  or  converse  with  any. 


THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT  51 

Worst  of  all,  he  is  in  custody  of  that  base  servant  of 
the  court,  WILLIAM  BLANCHARD. 

ROCHESTER 

'Tis  that  same  BLANCHARD  beats  the  country-side 
for  you  and  me,  RICHARD  JACKSON. 

JACKSON 

Aye,  for  us,  and  our  good  friend  and  patron,  WIL 
LIAM  BREWSTER. 

ROBINSON 

Brethren,  as  JOHN  CARVER  and  I  were  leaving  our 
homes  in  Sturton-le-Steeple  this  morning,  a  trusty  mes 
senger  brought  word  that  Master  BREWSTER,  safe  in  a 
good  disguise,  is  returning  from  Hull,  and  will  today 
tell  us  of  his  searchings  for  new  means  to  leave  this 
too  stern  mother-land  of  ours. 


But  to  part  from  friends! 

A  MAN'S  VOICE 
To  put  off  our  possessions  at  great  loss. 

ANOTHER  WOMAN 

To  leave  our  homes! 

ANOTHER   MAN'S  VOICE 

To  forsake  the  land  of  our  fathers  and  our  God. 

CLIFTON 

He  who  is  your  God  in  England  will  be  your  God 
in  any  land  under  the  whole  Heaven. 


52  THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

ROBINSON 

For  our  country,  we  do  not  foresake  it,  but  are  by 
it  forsaken,  and  expelled  by  most  extreme  laws  and 
violent  proscriptions. 

CLIFTON 

Through  common  suffering,  we  are  bound  by  in 
dissoluble  ties  to  one  another  and  the  worship  of  God 
as  our  consciences  deem  fit.  At  Babworth  I  labored 
only,  as  you  know,  for  the  good  of  my  people's  souls, 
yet  for  my  belief,  I  have  been  deprived  of  that  living. 
JOHN  ROBINSON,  here,  has  been  driven  from  St.  An 
drew's  in  Norwich  and  those  who  met  with  him  there 
after  for  worship  excommunicated.  Brethren  and 
sisters,  there  is  no  help  here.  It  is  clear  that  nothing  is 
to  be  hoped  from  the  Millenary  Petition  or  from  any 
changes  within  the  Church  of  England.  It  is  equally 
clear  that  the  powers  of  the  Church  and  the  throne 
mean  to  make  us  recant  or  drive  us  from  the  land. 
Already  our  brethren,  JACKSON,  ROCHESTER,  and 
BREWSTER  are  laid  for,  and  NEVILLE  is  in  the  trap. 
The  harriers  of  our  souls  are  closing  in.  Therefore  it 
is  that  we  your  leaders,  JOHN  ROBINSON,  JOHN  CAR 
VER,  and  I,  your  pastor,  have  let  our  proved  friend, 
WILLIAM  BREWSTER,  risk  a  secret  journey  to  Hull  to 
see  what  may  be  done  for  a  new  venture  in  crossing  to 
Holland. 

During  the  last  words  of  CLIFTON'S  speech  there 
has  been  movement  among  the  children  at  the  back. 
One  of  them  now  comes  up  to  CLIFTON. 


THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT  53 

THE  CHILD 

Master  CLIFTON,  there  is  an  old  man  here.  He  says 
he  brings  word  from  WILLIAM  BREWSTER. 

CLIFTON 

(With  a  quick  glance  at  ROBINSON)  From  WIL 
LIAM  BREWSTER?  Let  him  come  in. 

On  these  words  the  old  man  of  the  preceding  scene 
enters. 

BREWSTER 

(In  his  feigned  voice)  I  bring  you  word  from  WIL 
LIAM  BREWSTER. 

He  looks  about  searchingly  a  moment  in  the  general 
expectancy,  then  straightens  up,  takes  off  his  wig,  and 
stands  revealed  as  WILLIAM  BREWSTER.  The  leaders 
and  the  others  crowd  about  him  as  Mrs.  BREWSTER 
throws  herself  in  his  arms. 

DIFFERENT   VOICES 

Safe.  —  Welcome.  —  Welcome  home.  —  God  be 
praised ! 

BREWSTER 

(In  their  midst)  I  have  found  our  man — a  Dutch 
man  with  a  vessel  of  Zeeland. 

A  MAN'S  VOICE 

Will  he  not  betray  us  as  did  the  ship's  master  last 
year  at  Boston? 

BREWSTER 

I  do  believe  he  will  deal  honestly  with  us. 


54 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

CARVER 
What  is  your  plan? 

BREWSTER 

As  many  of  us  as  will  risk  the  journey  are  to  meet 
the  captain  at  a  large  common  by  the  sea,  and  to  the 
south  of  Hull,  a  great  way  distant  from  any  town. 
The  women,  the  children,  and  our  goods  shall  go 
thither  in  a  small  bark  which  shall  be  waiting  where 
the  river  Idle  joins  the  Trent,  below  Gainsborough. 
The  able-bodied  men  shall  meet  them,  going  overland. 

A  movement  of  satisfaction  among  the  majority, 
especially  the  men. 

BRADFORD 

(Eagerly)  When  shall  it  be? 

BREWSTER 

This  day  fortnight,  if  the  season  serves. 

A  VOICE 

We  go  among  a  strange  people,  in  a  land  to  us  un 
known. 

ROBINSON 

Nay,  already  there  is  JOHN  SMITH  whom  we  knew 
when  he  lived  hard  by,  at  Gainsborough,  with  his  con 
gregation.  Already  there,  too,  in  Amsterdam  is  FRAN 
CIS  JOHNSON  and  his  group,  the  church  of  the  martyrs 
BARROW  and  GREENWOOD. 

BREWSTER 

The  Dutch  are  a  kindly  people,  tolerant.  It  is  a 
fertile  land.  We  need  not  fear  it. 


THE  RIVER  IDLE 
Near  Scrooby  Manor 

WILLIAM  BREWSTER:  A  small  bark  shall  be  waiting  where  the  river 
Idle  joins  the  Trent  below  Gainsborough.     (Episode  II,  Scene  4.) 


THP   PILGRIM   SPIRIT  55 

CLIFTON 

Aye,  and  there  is  freedom  to  worship  God  according 
to  our  consciences. 

A  MAN'S  VOICE 
But  war  hath  been  there  and  will  be. 

BREWSTER 

Nay,  a  truce  is  promised  with  peace  for  years  to 
come. 

ANOTHER    MAN'S   VOICE 

The  Dutch  are  artisans,  and  we  but  laborers  in  the 
fields.  Theirs,  too,  is  a  strange  tongue  we  do  not  speak. 

BREWSTER 

The  tongue  is  not  so  difficult.  I  learnt  it  in  my  youth 
in  Holland,  and  our  own  tongue  is  understood  by 
many  there.  True  it  is  that  we  must  change  our  labors, 
but  there  must  be  risk  and  hardship  in  any  great  ad 
venture. 

A  MAN'S  VOICE 
The  ports  are  strictly  watched  for  such  as  we. 

BREWSTEfc 

Even  among  the  watchers  of  the  ports  there  be 
friends. 

A  WOMAN'S  VOICE 

What  warrant,  if  we  try  to  escape,  that  our  hus 
bands  will  not  be  again  harried,  shut  in  jail  for  weeks, 
fined  to  the  breaking  point  of  our  fortunes? 


THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT 


ANOTHER  WOMAN'S  VOICE 

What  warrant  that  we  women,  as  at  Boston,  shall 
not  be  seized,  searched,  insulted  by  the  Sheriff 
and  his  men,  kept  in  terror  for  our  lives  and  those  of 
our  children? 

BREWSTER 

There  is  no  surety.  At  worst  some  of  us  will  get 
away  to  Holland  as  did  some  from  Boston.  Till  we 
are  all  safely  over  we  may  not  cease  attempting.  To 
go  or  stay  alike  may  mean  suffering  and  even  death. 
It  is  between  you  and  your  consciences.  Each  must 
choose  for  himself. 

A  WOMAN'S  VOICE 
O,  'tis  a  misery  worse  than  death. 

BRADFORD 

Why  need  these  things  trouble  us?  Our  protection 
is  in  the  Lord.  Remember  the  words  of  Hebrews  XL 
"They  confess  that  they  are  strangers  and  pilgrims  on 
the  earth,  wherefore  God  is  not  ashamed  to  be  called 
their  God,  for  he  hath  prepared  for  them  a  city." 

CLIFTON 

Well  said,  young  BRADFORD.  Let  us  not  forget  the 
last  message  of  JOHN  PENRY  to  his  brethren  of  the 
Separation:  "Seeing  banishment  with  loss  of  goods  is 
likely  to  betide  you  all,  prepare  yourselves  for  this  hard 
entreaty  and  rejoice  that  you  are  made  worthy  for 
Christ's  cause  to  suffer  and  bear  all  these  things.  And 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 57 

I  beseech  you  that  none  of  you  in  this  case  look  upon 
his  particular  estate,  but  regard  the  general  state  of 
the  Church  of  God  that  the  same  may  go  and  be  kept 
together  whithersoever  it  shall  please  God  to  send  you. 
Oh,  the  blessing  will  be  great  that  shall  ensue." 

BRADFORD 

Shall  we  not  be  worthy  of  the  martyrs  for  this  our 
faith?  Let  us  say  with  JOHN  PENRY:  "If  my  blood 
were  an  ocean  sea,  and  every  drop  thereof  were  a  life 
unto  me,  I  would  give  them  all,  with  the  help  of  the 
Lord,  for  the  maintenance  of  the  same  my  confession." 

There  is  a  little  pause.  There  are  some  sobs  and 
then  cries  of  "Amen!  Amen!"  in  gathering  force. 
CLIFTON  raises  his  hands.  All  those  sitting  rise.  Each 
joins  hands  with  his  neighbors  to  right  and  left. 

ALL 

(Solemnly)  We  covenant  with  God  and  with  one 
another  to  walk  in  all  his  ways  made  known  or  to  be 
made  known  to  us  according  to  our  best  endeavor, 
whatever  it  shall  cost  us. 

ROBINSON  steps  forward  with  querying  look  at  CLIF 
TON,  who  nods  assent. 

ROBINSON 

(Lifting  his  hands  in  prayer)  This  alone  remaineth, 
that  we  turn  our  faces  and  mouths  unto  thee,  O  most 
powerful  Lord  and  gracious  father.  They  who  truly 
fear  thee  and  work  righteousness,  although  constrained 
to  live  in  a  foreign  land,  exiled  from  country,  spoiled  of 


58  THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

goods,  destitute  of  friends,  few  in  number,  and  mean 
in  condition,  are  for  all  that  unto  thee,  O  Gracious 
God,  nothing  the  less  acceptable.  Thou  numberest  all 
their  wanderings.  Towards  thee,  O  Lord,  are  our 
eyes.  Confirm  our  hearts,  and  suffer  not  our  feet  to 
slip  or  our  face  to  be  ashamed.  O  thou  just  and 
merciful  God. 

On  the  last  words  of  the  prayer,  the  lights  close  in. 


SCENE  V 

HALTONSKITTERSHAVEN — May-June,  1608 

The  lights  reveal  on  the  whole  Field  a  group  of 
forty  women  and  children  and  twenty  men  and  youths. 
Most  of  the  childern  are  clustered  in  a  group  near 
Town  Brook,  eagerly  watching  something  hidden  from 
sight.  There  are  a  few  women  with  them.  Some 
youths  are  at  front,  left  and  right  as  if  standing  guard. 
Toward  the  water's  edge  walk  BREWSTER,  ROBINSON, 
and  a  man  dressed  like  a  sailor,  talking  earnestly. 

BREWSTER 

(To  the  sailor)  Bitter  fortune,  this!  Had  not  your 
bark  with  the  women  and  children  grounded  over 
night  in  that  inlet,  we  had  all  been  on  board  for  Hol 
land. 

ROBINSON 
Whose  the  error? 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 59 

SAILOR 

(With  a  wave  of  the  hand  toward  the  sea)  The 
Captain's,  if  you  like.  He  does  not  know  this  shore. 
'Twas  rough  water  out  there.  Most  of  the  women 
and  children  were  sick  and  begged  us  to  seek  the 
nearest  shelter.  At  high  tide  that  inlet  is  deep  enough 
to  float  the  bark  easily. 

ROBINSON 

(Looking  off)  Now  'tis  but  a  mud  flat  with  scarce 
water  for  a  flat  boat  with  one  rower. 

SAILOR 

(Surlily)     We  were  overborne. 

At  this  point,  CARVER  conies  up,  with  the  troop  of 
women  and  children,  from  the  direction  of  Town 
Brook.  They  question  him  in  vain  as  he  comes. 

CARVER 

Only  the  tide  can  move  her.  There  is  nought  to 
do  but  wait. 

SOME  OF  THE  WOMEN 

(Looking  shoreward,  hysterically)  We  shall  be 
caught — caught. 

OTHERS 

(Looking  seaward)  Our  husbands  are  aboard. — We 
shall  be  left  behind.— What  shall  we  do?— What  shall 
we  do? 

Some  of  the  younger  children  break  into  nervous 
crying. 


60  THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

BREWSTER 

Hush.  We  will  send  you  to  the  men  already  aboard 
as  fast  as  the  ship's  boat  comes  back. 

ROBINSON 
'Twill  not  take  long.    All  may  yet  be  well. 

A  BOY 

(Pointing)  There  comes  the  long  boat  back.  (All 
turn  to  look). 

At  this  moment  from  opposite  sides  come  running 
breathlessly  two  lads.  As  they  pass  the  outpostst  they 
cry  something  which  makes  the  outposts  run  with  them 
to  the  central  group.  Hearing  them,  CARVER  turns. 

CARVER 

What  now? 

ONE  BOY 

(Breathlessly)  Run,  hide.     They  are  coming. 

CARVER 

Who? 

SECOND  BOY 

The  sheriff  and  his  men. 

FIRST  BOY 

Two  score,  three  score — armed. 

SECOND  BOY 

Afoot  and  horseback.    Run!    Hide! 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 6l 

The  women  draw  the  children  to  them  and  huddle 
about  the  leaders,  crying  and  supplicating. 

BREWSTER 

(To  the  other  men  who  have  gathered  in  protect- 
ingly)  Away!  We  (indicating  ROBINSON  and  CAR 
VER)  will  look  to  the  women  and  the  children.  Flee 
while  you  can.  Get  to  Holland  as  you  may. 

Some  of  the  women  push  their  husbands  away.  A 
man,  picking  up  a  child  to  kiss  it,  has  to  tear  it  from 
him  so  closely  does  it  hold  him.  Other  women  cling 
to  their  husbands,  to  be  gently  but  firmly  put  aside. 
The  men  flee  mainly  by  the  water's  edge.  BREWSTER 
and  CARVER,  leaving  ROBINSON  to  guard  the  women, 
go  left  and  right  to  meet  the  coming  enemy.  With  a 
rush,  as  if  hunting  an  animal,  come  horsemen  and  swift 
runners;  then,  more  slowly,  others  on  foot.  There  are 
in  all  fifty  men  of  all  ages.  The  country  people  are 
armed  with  bills  and  staves.  The  SHERIFF  and  his 
thirteen  men,  and  six  country  gentlemen,  are  on  horse 
back.  As  the  horses  dash  in,  most  of  the  women  flee 
panic-stricken.  With  a  whoop  the  horsemen  and  foot 
men  are  after  them,  rounding  them  up.  They  push 
them  with  pikes  and  haul  them  about,  catching  up  some 
of  the  children  on  their  saddles.  Shrieking,  crying, 
protesting,  the  fugitives  are  forced  back  to  the  little 
group  which  stayed  by  ROBINSON.  These,  mostly  older 
women,  have  fallen  on  their  knees  in  prayer.  In  front 
of  them  ROBINSON  stands  protectingly,  his  eyes  raised 
heavenward. 


62 THE   PILGRIM   SPIRIT 

SHERIFF 

(The  SHERIFF  during  the  melee  f  has,  with  three  or 
four  of  his  men,  prevented  BREWSTER  and  CARVER 
from  going  to  the  aid  of  the  women.  To  the  three 
leaders.)  Stand  you  there  in  front.  Let  the  women 
follow.  (As  the  group  falls  into  place)  So,  my  fine 
psalm-singers,  we  have  you  for  the  jail  that  awaits  you. 

Six  of  his  men  ride  ahead.  The  country  people  on 
foot  place  themselves  behind  and  beside  the  groups 
of  frightened  women  and  children.  Eight  of  the 
SHERIFF'S  men  ride  behind  to  push  the  PILGRIMS  for- 
ward.  As  the  procession  starts,  with  the  country 
gentlemen  riding  where  they  please  on  the  sides,  there 
is  jeering  and  mocking  laughter. 

COUNTRY    BOY 

(Twisting  a  pike  like  a  drum-major's  baton)  Make 
way,  make  way  for  the  mad  Puritans!  Mad  Puri 
tans!  Make  way! 

The  lights  darken. 


EPISODE  THREE 
THE   PILGRIMS   IN  HOLLAND 

THEY  confessed  that  they  were  strangers 
and  Pilgrims  on  the  earth. 

HEBREWS  XI.,    13 


EPISODE  THREE 
SCENE  I 

THE  MARCH  OF  THE  DUTCH  CITIES  OF  CHARITY — 
April,  1609 

Music  by  F.  S.  CONVERSE 

At  first  the  Pageant  Field  is  in  absolute  darkness. 
Then  off  at  the  rear  of  the  Field  lights  glow  and 
twinkle.  Little  by  little  they  shape  themselves  into  the 
lanterns  and  lights  of  a  duplicate  of  Rembrandt's 
Night  Watch.  As  the  group  approaches  center,  nearer 
at  right  some  torches  flicker.  As  they  come  closer, 
we  see  that  there  are  some  dozen  or  more  torch-bearers 
lighting  a  group  representing  the  people  of  Middle- 
burgh.  The  BURGOMASTER,  the  JUSTICE,  and  the 
town  OFFICERS,  in  their  robes,  are  preceded  by  the  ban 
ner  and  shield  of  the  town.  The  banner  is  inscribed 
"MIDDLEBURGH",  and  bears  also  the  names  and  dates 
of  the  Puritan  leaders  associated  with  the  town.  Be 
hind  the  BURGOMASTER  come  the  townspeople,  of  all 
sorts  and  kinds.  At  the  same  time  there  have  been 
lights  at  the  opposite  side  of  the  Field.  They  take 
shape  in  a  similar  marching  group  of  the  people  of 
Emden,  with  their  banner  and  shield.  Simultaneously 
lights  twinkle  at  left  of  center  and  the  people  of  Cam- 
pen  appear;  at  right  center — the  people  of  Naarden, 
[65] 


66  THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

Each  has  a  banner  like  that  of  Middleburgh,  bearing 
Puritan  names. 

Just  a  moment  later  than  these  cities  enter  the 
people  of  Amsterdam, — dignitaries,  burghers  and  com 
mon  people.  Then  through  them  comes  LEYDEN. 
First  are  the  citizens  and  their  wives.  Then  through 
them  come  twenty-four  professors  of  the  University, 
each  bearing  a  torch,  so  that  LEYDEN  brings  most  light 
of  all.  As  the  music  of  the  march  to  which  the  cities 
have  entered  ends  they  are  in  a  great  half  circle 
about  the  Field,  the  torch  and  lantern  bearers  standing 
like  statues  and  throwing  queer  shadows  over  all. 

Six  horsemen  spur  from  the  points  at  which  the 
groups  entered  and  speeding  to  places  in  front  of 
them,  rein  up  their  horses  sharply.  As  they  come, 
they  cry  in  Dutch,  English,  French,  Spanish,  "The 
truce,"  the  English  rising  highest  and  clearest. 

THE   ENGLISH    HERALD 

(At  center  holding  up  a  paper  for  which  two  lan 
tern  bearers  raise  high  their  lights.  "Peace  guaranteed 
for  twelve  years.  Religious  freedom.  Signed  (he 
shakes  the  sheet)  HENRY  of  France,  PHILIP  of  Spain, 
MAURICE  Prince  of  NASSAU." 

An  instant's  pause;  then  a  great  shout  of  joy.  The 
younger  people  break  into  an  old  Dutch  folk-dance.1 


aThe  music  for  this  dance  was  furnished  through  the 
American  Folk  Dance  Society  by  ELIZABETH  BURCHENAL, 
chairman,  and  RUTH  BURCHENAL,  Department  of  Pageantry. 
Dancers  trained  by  VIRGINIA  TANNER. 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 67 

The  joy  is  infectious.  Immediately  all,  young  and  old, 
and  of  every  sort  and  profession,  are  dancing,  laughing, 
shouting.  Even  the  torch  bearers  join  arms  and  dance. 
As  the  dance  reaches  its  height,  the  stage  lights  have 
been  going  down,  and  the  dancers  working  towards 
the  exits.  On  its  climax  they  are  disappearing  right 
and  left.  Only  the  linkmen  are  on  the  stage,  their 
torches  the  only  light.  Jigging  they  come  to  the  front. 
With  the  last  notes  of  the  music  they  break  swiftly  to 
right  and  left  and  exeunt  dancing. 


SCENE  II 
LEYDEN,  July,  1620 

Before  the  lights  go  up,  there  is  a  distant  trumpet 
call  and  the  sound  of  drums.  Conspicuous  in  the  group 
ing  are  JOHN  ROBINSON,  STANDISH.  FULLER,  BRAD 
FORD,  WINSLOW,  BREWER,  ROGERS,  ISAAC  ALLERTON. 

JOHN  ROBINSON 

Now  the  hour  of  our  momentous  decision  is  here. 
We  must  vote  whether  we  will  adventure  to  the  New 
World  or  stay  here  in  Leyden  where  we  have  dwelt 
these  eleven  years  past.  The  youths  who  have  been 
chosen  will  pass  among  you  and  take  your  votes. 
(Some  fifteen  boys  rise  and  move  about  with  rough 
ballot  boxes,  taking  the  vote  as  the  scene  goes  on.) 
Vote  only  yes  or  no.  (Sound  again  of  trumpet  and 
drums.  All  listen). 


68 THE   PILGRIM   SPIRIT 

STANDISH 

LEYDEN  trains  her  troops.  As  you  vote,  forget  not 
that. 

A  MAN'S  VOICE 

Are  not  these  Leydeners,  Captain  STANDISH,  too 
fearful? 

STANDISH 

LEYDEN  knows  the  truce  of  1609  ends  next  year. 
'Tis  already  July,  1620.  Remembering  her  terrible 
siege  by  the  Spaniards  forty-six  years  ago,  LEYDEN  is 
rightly  anxious. 

ROBINSON 

More  and  more  in  these  unquiet  times  have  we,  your 
leaders,  been  fearful  for  your  future.  England,  our 
mother,  we  left,  because  with  her  we  could  not  wor 
ship  God  according  to  our  consciences.  Our  wives 
and  children  were  separated  from  us.  We  ourselves 
were  nigh  ship-wrecked.  Through  peril  and  suffer 
ing  we  came  at  last  together  at  Amsterdam,  but 
soon  we  knew  that  it  was  not  our  abiding  place.  Our 
souls  sought  freedom  and  peace.  Contentiousness  was 
rife  in  our  sister  churches  there.  So  we  came  to  this 
University  city.  Here  God  hath  greatly  prospered  us, 
not  in  riches,  but  in  the  peaceful  living  of  which  we 
dreamed. 

WINSLOW 

Yea,  we  are  well  weaned  from  the  delicate  milk  of 
our  mother  country,  and  enured  to  difficulties  of  a 


51 


THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT  69 

strange  and  hard  land  which  yet  in  a  great  part  we 
have  by  patience  overcome. 

ROBINSON 

Fewer  come  to  us  from  England ;  some,  losing  heart 
at  the  sternness  of  our  life,  have  left  us,  risking  a  return 
to  England.  Some  of  our  children,  forgetting  their 
English  blood  have  married  with  these  kindly  neigh 
bors  of  ours.  Their  children  will  be  more  Dutch  than 
English.  More  and  more  have  we  come  to  know  that 
we  are  still  Pilgrims  and  our  final  resting  place  is  not 
yet. 

CHILD'S  VOICE 

(Outside  in  the  darkness,  chanting  shrilly)  "Bewart 
Heer  Holland;  En  zalicht  Leyden." 

A  SECOND  CHILD'S  VOICE 
"Nict  zonder  God." 

The  group  gives  the  words  quick  attention. 
ROBINSON 

These  words  the  children  cry  out  there  in  the  street, 
"God  keep  Holland  and  bless  Leyden,"  but  "Not  with 
out  God"  show  how  anxious  the  Dutch  are. 

STANDISH 

What  Spain  and  France  will  do  next  year,  who 
knows? 

FULLER 

War  again? 


70  THE   PILGRIM   SPIRIT 

STANDISH 

The  final  hazard  who  can  tell? 

ROBINSON 

Mindful  of  your  welfare,  we  your  leaders  have  for 
months  and  even  years  been  looking  westward  to  the 
New  World  as  a  final  resting-place.  After  disap 
pointment,  misunderstanding,  wearisome  negotiation, 
we  have  a  patent  permitting  us  to  make  our  homes  in 
New  England,  and  we  have  good  promise  of  aid  in  our 
venture.  For  all  this,  ROBERT  CUSHMAN,  who  is  now 
at  Southampton,  our  trusted  JOHN  CARVER,  now  in 
London,  and  our  beloved  BREWSTER  (there  is  a  rising 
murmer  of  affection  and  approval  at  this  name)  have 
worked  tirelessly. 

ALLERTON 

WILLIAM  BREWSTER  hides  from  officers  of  King 
James  because  here  in  Leyden  he  has  helped  Master 
BREWER  (with  an  identifying  gesture)  print  books  in 
behalf  of  the  Separation.  With  such  a  King,  what 
safety  for  any  of  us  in  a  return  to  England  ? 

BREWER 

Master  BREWSTER  awaits  anxiously  the  results  of  this 
meeting,  and  I  promise  you  shall  know  your  vote 
quickly.  Whatever  the  decision  you  make,  he  will  be 
with  you. 

A  YOUNG  MAN 
(Coming  forward  from   a  group   which   has  been 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 7£ 

eagerly  consulting)     Does  every  person  of  sixteen  years 
or  over  who  goes  receive  one  free  share  valued  at  £10? 

ROBINSON 

Yes,  unless  a  minor,  a  wife,  or  a  servant.    Then  the 
share  goes  to  the  father,  husband  or  master. 
Two  or  three  young  men  have  pressed  nearer. 

ONE  OF  THESE 

But  if  we  have  no  families? 

ROBINSON 

He  who  takes  his  own  provisions  or  £10  in  money, 
will  receive  one  share. 

Nods  of  approval  as  they  move  back  to  vote. 

AN  OLDER  MAN 

(Breaking  in)  That  is  all  well  enough,  but  I  will 
not  go  if  the  condition  stands  that  for  seven  years  all 
profits  must  remain  in  the  common  stock. 

ANOTHER  MAN 

Nor  I,  if  we  may  not  have  two  days  a  week  for 
the  use  of  ourselves  and  families. 

MANY  VOICES 

Nor  I.    Nor  I. 

ROBINSON 

'Tis  a  hard  bargain,  but  the  best  we  can  get. 

ANOTHER  VOICE 
We  seek  liberty.    There  is  no  liberty  in  that. 


72 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

ROBINSON 

(Somewhat  sternly)  A  Christian's  liberty  is  to  serve 
God  in  faith  and  his  brethren  in  love,  with  a  willing 
and  free  heart.  He  who  will  take  all  the  liberty  he 
may  lawfully,  cannot  but  fall  into  many  unlawful 
things.  (A  slight  pause — Some  murmur  still) 

BRADFORD 

For  myself  I  like  not  these  conditions,  but  we  may 
not  go  without  them.  Surely  we  may  abide  by  them 
till  such  time  as  we  can  change  them  for  the  better. 

STANDISH 

We  are  not  men  whom  small  things  can  discourage 
or  small  discontentments  cause  to  wish  ourselves  at 
home  again. 

BRADFORD 

Nay,  we  are  knit  together  as  one  body  in  a  most 
strict  and  sacred  covenant  of  the  Lord,  by  virtue  where 
of  we  do  hold  ourselves  straitly  tied  to  all  care  of 
each  other's  good.  (There  is  growing  enthusiasm  as 
he  speaks.) 

ROBINSON 

We  verily  believe  the  Lord  is  with  us,  unto  whom 
and  whose  service  we  have  given  ourselves  in  many 
trials;  and  that  he  will  graciously  prosper  our  en 
deavors  according  to  the  simplicity  of  our  hearts  there 
in.  (Doctor  FULLER  has  been  counting  the  votes  which 
the  tellers  have  brought  him.  He  stands  waiting  to 
announce  the  result  during  the  last  speech  of  ROBINSON. 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT  73 

FULLER 

(Stepping  forward)  The  vote  is  that  less  than  half 
will  go. 

ROBINSON 

(Slowly)  'Tis  a  weighty  decision.  Had  the  major 
ity  decided  for  going,  I  should  have  led  you.  Now 
it  will  be  our  elder,  Master  BREWSTER.  Will  those 
who  have  chosen  for  the  New  World  stand  forth? 
(There  is  a  quick  shifting  of  the  groups  which  makes 
it  clear  at  once  that  it  is  youth  which  has  voted  to  go, 
middle  age  and  older  people  to  stay  behind.  Looking 
at  them  tenderly)  Youth,  hope,  fearlessness.  'Tis  a 
happy  augury.  ( The  lights  have  been  darkening.  Out 
side  voices  in  the  street  are  heard  singing  in  Dutch) 
Hear  you  that,  my  people?  It  is  the  ninth  psalm, 
the  hymn  of  thanksgiving  these  people  of  Leyden  sang 
in  1574,  when  the  great  siege  was  raised:  "I  will 
praise  thee,  O  Lord,  with  my  whole  heart."  (Someone 
starts  singing  and  as  the  whole  crowd  joins,  the  lights 
close  in. 


SCENE  III 

DELFTSHAVEN,  August  i,  1620 
Music  for  this  scene  by  LEE  SOWERBY 

Light  grows  slowly,  like  the  dawn.  Indistinctly  at 
first  figures  are  seen;  men  walking  up  and  down;  others 
standing  by  themselves  absorbed  in  bitter  thought;  some 


74  THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

talking  sadly  together;  a  man  comforting  his  wife  who 
is  sob  bin  g  on  his  breast;  children  resting  with  their 
heads  in  their  mothers'  laps,  tired,  frightened.  The 
mothers  hush  them.  Several  figures  show  by  their 
heaving  shoulders  that  they  are  weeping.  People  are 
sleeping  on  the  ground  where  they  have  flung  their 
things — a  huddled,  wretched  group.  In  the  midst  are 
ROBINSON,  BRADFORD,  FULLER^  STANDISH,  WIN- 
SLOW,  CARVER — some  one  hundred  and  fifty  souls 
in  all.  Groups  of  Dutch  friends  and  onlookers  enter. 
A  few  come  forward  and  greet  the  Pilgrim  leaders,  all 
in  dumb  show. 

As  the  light  dawns,  the  concealed  choir  sings  the 
words  of  Hebrews  xi,  13;  "These  not  having  received 
the  promises,  but  persuaded  of  them,  confess  that  they 
were  strangers  and  Pilgrims  on  the  earth.  They  desire  a 
better  country,  wherefore  God  is  not  ashamed  to  be 
called  their  God,  for  He  hath  prepared  for  them  a  city." 

As  the  music  ends,  the  people  rise  and  shake  them 
selves,  stiff  from  their  night  of  sleeplessness.  A  small 
boat  draws  up  at  the  edge  of  the  quai.  Another 
loaded  with  baggage,  is  seen  off  to  the  right, 
as  if  the  baggage  had  been  going  on  board  in  the  night. 
At  the  appearance  of  the  boat,  some  of  the  younger 
people  move  as  if  to  take  up  the  bundles  lying  about, 
and  go  to  it.  A  sailor  speaks  to  ROBINSON  and  points 
off  toward  the  boat.  ROBINSON  raises  his  hand,  and 
all  gather  about  him.  He  pauses  a  moment  and  then 
speaks. 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 75 

ROBINSON 

My  dear  friends  (he  rests  his  hand  upon  the  head 
of  a  child  who  has  snuggled  up  to  him),  we  are  now 
to  part  asunder.  Make  account  of  me  as  of  a  man 
divided  in  myself  with  great  pain,  God  knowing  I 
would  much  rather  have  borne  my  part  with  you,  were 
I  not  by  strong  necessity  held  back  for  the  present. 

These  few  things  I  do  earnestly  commend  unto  your 
care  and  conscience.  There  being  some  to  come  among 
you  newly  in  England,  at  first  you  will  be,  many  of 
you,  strangers  as  to  the  persons  and  infirmities  one  of 
another.  Be  watchful  lest  when  such  things  fall  out 
in  men  and  women  as  you  suspected  not,  you  be  inordi 
nately  affected  with  them.  This  doth  require  at  your 
hands  much  wisdom  and  chanty. 

Take  not  offence  at  God,  which  we  certainly  do  so 
oft  as  we  murmur  at  his  providence  in  our  crosses,  or 
bear  impatiently  afflictions  wherewith  he  pleaseth  to 
visit  us. 

Lastly,  whereas  you  are  become  a  body  politic, 
using  amongst  yourselves  civil  governments,  let  your 
wisdom  and  godliness  appear,  not  only  in  choosing  such 
persons  as  do  entirely  love  and  will  promote  the  com 
mon  good,  but  also  in  yielding  unto  them  all  honor  and 
obedience  in  their  lawful  administrations;  not  being 
like  the  foolish  multitude  who  more  honor  the  gay  coat 
than  the  virtuous  mind.  You  know  better  things,  and 
that  the  image  of  the  Lord's  power  and  authority  which 


76  THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

the  magistrate  beareth  is  honorable,  in  how  mean  per 
sons  soever.  And  this  duty  you  ought  the  more  will 
ingly  to  perform,  because,  at  least  for  the  present,  you 
are  to  have  only  them  for  your  ordinary  governors 
which  yourselves  shall  make  choice  of. 

I  beg  you  forget  not  your  Church  Covenant  where 
by  ye  promise  and  covenant  with  God  and  with  one 
another  to  receive  whatsoever  truth  or  light  shall  be 
made  known  to  you  from  His  written  word.  Yet  take 
heed,  oh,  take  heed,  what  ye  receive  for  truth,  and 
well  examine  and  compare  and  weigh  it  with  other 
scriptural  truth  before  ye  receive  it.  If  God  shall  re 
veal  anything  to  you  by  any  other  instrument  of  His, 
be  as  ready  to  receive  it  as  ever  you  were  to  receive 
any  truth  by  my  ministry.  I  am  very  confident  the 
Lord  has  more  truth  and  light  yet  to  break  forth  out 
of  His  Holy  Word.  It  is  not  possible  that  full  per 
fection  of  knowledge  should  break  forth  at  once. 

He  pauses,  nearly  overcome.  The  PILGRIMS  have 
followed  his  words  with  "amens"  and  sobs.  Men  sup 
port  their  weeping  wives;  children  cling  together  or 
to  their  fathers  and  mothers.  Some  of  the  women  are  in 
each  other's  arms.  Many  of  the  Dutch  watchers  are 
deeply  moved.  Some  steal  quietly  off,  drawing  others 
or  beckoning  to  them.  All  except  a  few  Dutch  per 
sonal  friends  move  to  a  distance  as  if  awed.  The 
English  men  and  women  who  are  to  remain  press  round 
ROBINSON,  to  say  goodbye. 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT  77 

ROBINSON 

(Mastering  himself)  Let  us  humble  ourselves  be 
fore  our  God,  and  seek  of  Him  a  right  way  for  us  and 
for  our  children. 

As  he  drops  on  his  knees  and  prays,  the  others  group' 
ing  round  him,  the  concealed  choir  sings 


THE  PILGRIMS'  CHORUS 

By  EDWIN  ARLINGTON  ROBINSON 

Music  by  LEE  SOWERBY 

Long  ago  there  came  a  sound  as  of  a  mighty  wind 

from  heaven, 
And  a  light  was  on  the  world  where  now  it  shines  for 

us  to-day; 
We  have  seen  the  fire  of  God  as  once  it  fell  for  men 

before  us, 
And  we  follow,  knowing  only  that  old  things  have 

passed  away. 

Through  the  weary  cloud  of  years  and  through  the 

dark  that  was  around  us 
In  the  west  we  know  the  burning  of  a  light  across  the 

sea; 
Through  the  tumult  of  a  peace  that  was  beyond  our 

understanding 
We  have  waited  for  a  voice  that  we  have  heard,  and 

we  are  free. 


78  THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

We  are  free  to  be  the  first  who  are  to  bear  the  coming 

harvest 
Over  leagues  that  are  between  us  and  the  fields  that 

are  unsown ; 
And  though  God  may  leave  our  reaping  unto  others 

who  come  after, 
He  has  called  us,  and  we  follow,  to  the  new  and  the 

unknown. 

As  the  song  closes,  the  hands  of  ROBINSON,  and  of 
many  of  the  others,  go  up  in  supplication.  On  this  the 
lights  close  in. 

INTERMEZZO— MUSICAL 

"THE  VOYAGE  TO  THE  NEW  WORLD" — Composed 
by  CHALMERS  CLIFTON. 

VOICE  FROM  THE  ROCK 

(The  light  is  on  the  Rock  only  as  it  speaks.) 
These  artisan-farmers,  these  Pilgrims, 
Steadied  by  precepts  of  Robinson, 
Trained  by  their  leaders. 
Who  studied  their  Bibles  for  guidance, 
Shaped  here  at  Plymouth 
Liberty's  fabric; 
Grappled  in  small  way 
Problems  of  States; 
Because  of  their  wisdom, 
Trusting  in  God,  believing  in  Man, 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 79 

Knew  not  the  havoc  of  Indian  warfare; 

Taught  the  newcomer 

Gain  must  be  theirs 

At  the  price  of  their  labor ; 

Punished  the  traitor, 

Yet  pitied  the  culprit. 

This  is  your  heritage. 

All  you  Americans. 

Do  ye  maintain  it? 


EPISODE  FOUR 


EPISODE  FOUR 

SCENE  I 
THE  COMPACT  IN  THE  CABIN  OF  THE  MAYFLOWER. 

Off  Cape  Cod,  'November  21,  1620 
The  light  gives  the  effect  of  coming  from  above  into 
a  dimly  lighted  cabin.  At  a  large  center  table  are 
grouped  BREWSTER,  CARVER,  STANDISH,  FULLER, 
WINSLOW,  and  BRADFORD.  Around  and  about  them 
stand  and  sit  other  signers  of  the  compact.  Mrs. 
BREWSTER,  Mrs.  BRADFORD,  Mrs.  CARVER,  Mrs. 
STANDISH,  and  Mrs.  WINSLOW  are  also  in  this  group, 
seated  on  sea  chests,  kegs,  boxes,  even  trunks  of  the  time. 
At  the  back,  clustered  as  if  about  a  door,  with  light 
from  the  rear,  are  other  women,  particularly  some  of 
the  girls.  There  are  three  or  four  children  in  the  main 
group.  As  the  light  go  up  BREWSTER  is  reading  the 
compact. 

BREWSTER 

In  the  name  of  God,  amen.  We  whose  names  are 
underwritten,  the  loyal  subjects  of  our  dread  sovereign 
lord,  King  James,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain 
France  and  Ireland,  king,  defender  of  the  faith,  etc., 
having  undertaken  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  advance 
ment  of  the  Christian  faith,  and  honor  of  our  king 
and  country  a  voyage  to  plant  the  first  colony  in  the 
northern  parts  of  Virginia,  do  by  these  presents  solemn- 

83 


84 THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

ly  and  mutually  in  the  presence  of  God,  and  one  of 
another,  covenant  and  combine  ourselves  together  into 
a  civil  body  politic,  for  our  better  ordering  and  preser 
vation  and  furtherance  of  the  ends  aforesaid — (he 
pauses  and  then  repeats:)  "covenant  and  combine  our 
selves  together  into  a  civil  body  politic."  So  some  of 
us,  or  our  fathers,  came  together  in  Scrooby  to  coven 
ant  and  combine  for  the  better  ordering  and  further 
ance  of  our  desired  worship  of  God.  Now  we  do 
covenant  and  combine  ourselves  that  our  governing  in 
this  new  world  may  be  by  us  and  for  us  for  the 
greatest  good  of  all.  (BILLINGTON  and  some  others 
look  askance  at  each  other  and  move  a  little  resent 
fully.  Looking  directly  at  them,  BREWSTER  goes  on :  By 
virtue  hereof  to  enact,  constitute,  and  frame  such  just 
and  equal  laws,  ordinances,  acts,  constitutions,  and 
offices,  from  time  to  time,  as  shall  be  thought  most 
meet  and  convenient  for  the  general  good  of  the  Col 
ony,  unto  which  we  promise  all  due  submission  and 
obedience.  In  witness  whereof  we  have  hereunder 
subscribed  our  names  at  Cape  Cod  the  nth  of  Novem 
ber1  in  the  year  of  the  reign  of  our  sovereign  lord, 
King  James  of  England,  France  and  Ireland,  the 
eighteenth,  and  of  Scotland  the  fifty-fourth.  Anno  Dom. 
1620.  (He  pauses  an  instant  and  then  goes  on.) 

This  compact  have  we  drawn  up  because  as  we  have 
neared     land,     there     have     been     those     who     said 


JThere  is  a  difference  of  ten  days  between  the  Jacobian 
calendar  and  our  own. 


THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT 


(with  a  glance  at  BILLINGTON'S  group)  that  none  have 
power  to  command  them,  our  patent  being  for  Vir 
ginia,  and  this  Cape  Cod  near  which  we  lie  belongeth 
to  another  Company  with  which  the  Virginia  Com 
pany  have  nought  to  do.  This  paper  hath  been  well 
considered  in  its  writing.  (He  looks  at  the  leaders 
around  him,  who  nod  assent.)  You  have 
heard  it  more  than  once  and  know  well  the  meaning 
of  its  contents.  Signed  by  us  we  believe  it  should  be 
as  firm  as  any  patent  (he  looks  again  at  his  compan 
ions,  who  assent).  Perchance  (with  a  slightly  amused 
glance  at  the  other  leaders,  of  whom  BRADFORD, 
CARVER,  and  FULLER  smile)  remembering  our  many 
patents  that  have  come  to  nought,  I  may  say  more  firm. 
There  are  forty-one  men  of  this  our  company,  repre 
senting  one  hundred  souls,  whose  right  it  is  now  to  sign 
this  paper.  (He  calls  the  names  of  the  signers.)  JOHN 
CARVER. 

JOHN   CARVER 

For  myself,  my  wife  CATHERINE,  and  six  others. 

BREWSTER 
WILLIAM  BRADFORD. 

BRADFORD 

(Glancing  at   his   wife,   who    is   looking   over   his 
shoulder)    For  myself  and  my  wife  DOROTHY. 

BREWSTER 
EDWARD  WINSLOW. 


86 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

WINSLOW 
For  myself,  my  wife  ELIZABETH,  and  three  others. 

BREWSTER 

(As  he  signs)  For  myself,  my  wife  MARY,  my  sons 
LOVE  and  WRESTLING,  and  the  two  MORE  boys.  (He 
calls)  ISAAC  ALLERTON. 

ALLERTON 

For  myself,  my  wife  MARY,  my  three  children,  and 
the  boy,  JOHN  HOOKE.  (The  children  cluster  about 
him  as  he  signs) 

BREWSTER 
MYLES  STANDISH. 

STANDISH 

(With  a  glance  at  his  wife  sitting  near  by)  For 
myself  and  my  wife  ROSE. 

BREWSTER 

WILLIAM  MULLINS.  (His  wife  and  JOSEPH  move 
forward  with  him,  leaving  JOHN  ALDEN  and  P'RISCILLA 
absorbed  in  each  other.) 

MULLINS 

For  myself,  my  wife,  my  two  children  JOSEPH  and 
PRISCILLA,  and  a  servant.. 

BREWSTER 

JOHN  ALDEN.  (He  is  absorbed  in  PRISCILLA  that 
BREWSTER  has  to  repeat  the  call.  Amused  looks,  es 
pecially  among  the  women.) 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 87 

ALDEN 

(Leaving  PRISCILLA,  a  little  in  confusion,  signs  quick 
ly  and  returns  to  his  place. ) 

BREWSTER 

SAMUEL  FULLER  (FULLER  signs  quickly  and  with 
draws.  Affectionate  looks  follow  FULLER). 

BREWSTER 
WILLIAM  WHITE,  JOHN  ROWLAND. 

WILLIAM  WHITE 

(As  he  signs)  For  my  wife  SUSANNAH  WHITE,  my 
son  and  two  man  servants.)  ROWLAND  who  comes  for 
ward  from  the  group  by  the  entrance^  signs  quickly 
and  stands  aside.) 

BREWSTER 

STEPHEN  HOPKINS. 

HOPKINS 

For  myself,  two  men  servants,  my  wife  ELIZABETH, 
my  children,  GILES,  CONSTANCE,  DAMARIS,  and 
OCEAN  us,  born  at  sea  as  ye  know,  on  this  voyage. 
There  is  a  murmur  of  interest  among  the  women. 

BREWSTER 

EDWARD  TILLEY  and  JOHN  TILLEY. 

EDWARD    TILLEY 

For  myself,  my  wife  ANNE,  and  two  others. 

JOHN  TILLEY 

For  myself,  my  wife,  and  my  daughter  ELIZABETH. 


88 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

The  last  has  moved  forward  with  her  father.  After 
she  has  signed  she  joins  the  group  by  the  supposed  en 
trance. 

BREWSTER 
FRANCIS  COOKE,  FRANCIS  EATON. 

COOKE 
For  myself  and  my  son. 

EATON 
For  myself,  my  wife,  and  my  son  SAMUEL. 

BREWSTER 
JAMES  CHILTON. 

CHILTON 

(As  his  daughter  MARY  presses  forward  with  him) 
For  myself,  my  wife,  and  my  daughter  MARY. 

BREWSTER 

JOHN  BILLINGTON,  DIGORY  PRIEST.  (PRIEST  comes 
forward  promptly,  but  BILLINGTON  hangs  back.)  JOHN 
BILLINGTON,  will  ye  not  sign  ? 

BILLINGTON 

(Surely)  I  would  use  my  own  liberty, — but  being 
only  one  among  many,  I  needs  must. 

BREWSTER 

(With  an  amused  look  at  the  other  leaders)  They 
only  enjoy  full  liberty,  JOHN  BILLINGTON,  who  know 
how  to  use  it  right. 


_  THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT  _  89 

(Looking  about  the  cabin)  There  will  be  others  who 
should  sign.  JOHN  ALDEN,  and  you,  JOHN  HOW- 
LAND,  search  the  Mayflower  and  send  them  hither 
forthwith. 

The  two  young  men  go  out  through  the  group  at 
the  supposed  entrance.  ROWLAND  stops  an  instant  for 
a  word  with  ELIZABETH  TILLEY,  who  puts  herself  in 
his  way  and  follows  him  out. 

STANDISH 

If  we  must  wait  for  laggards,  I  nominate  for  gov 
ernor  of  this  colony  a  man  who  has  served  us  well 
in  England  and  who  is  well  liked  of  the  men  with 
whom  we  must  deal  there  for  our  supplies  and  even 
our  safety  —  JOHN  CARVER, 


BRADFORD    and    WINSLOW 

(Quickly)  I  second  that.  (Others  cry  " 


BREWSTER 

Shall  we  have  a  show  of  hands.  (Cries  of  assent. 
The  vote  is  taken,  and  is  in  the  end  unanimous, 
though  a  few  hands  in  the  BlLLlNGTON  group  go  up 
slowly  )  . 

BREWSTER 

(Holding  out  Bible  to  CARVER,  who  steps  near) 
JOHN  CARVER,  as  the  first  Governor,  under  this  new 
covenant,  of  our  body  politic,  you  do  swear  — 

As  he  speaks  the  lights  fade. 


90 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

SCENE  II 

PROVINCETOWN,  CAPE  COD.  November  25,  1620 
The  lights,  going  up,  reveal  some  twenty-jive  women 
and  girls  and  sixty  men,  youths  and  boys.  At  a  dozen 
tubs  and  kettles  set  on  rough  benches  and  stools,  MARY 
CHILTON,  PRISCILLA  MULLINS,  MRS.  CARVER'S  maid, 
and  some  of  the  younger  married  women,  among  them 
DOROTHY  BRADFORD,  are  washing  clothes.  On  the 
outskirts  of  the  scene  a  dozen  men  in  corselets  are 
standing  guard.  By  the  shore  a  cooper  and  four  other 
men  are  at  work  on  a  shallop.  Some  fifteen  boys  and 
three  or  four  of  the  younger  girls  are  piling  wood  for 
the  kettles  in  which  water  is  heating,  gathering  it  on 
the  shore,  or  bringing  it  from  farther  inland.  A  group 
of  ten  men  is  busied  making  axe  helves.  Near  center 
stand  GOVERNOR  CARVER,  ELDER  BREWSTER,  EDWARD 
WINSLOW  and  other  Pilgrims.  Near  by  are  CAPTAIN 
STANDISH,  WILLIAM  BRADFORD,  STEPHEN  HOPKINS, 
EDWARD  TILLEY,  with  twelve  others:  they  are  testing 
their  guns,  or  adjusting  their  corselets,  evidently  pre~ 
paring  for  some  expedition.  Some  are  fitting  bundles 
of  provender  to  their  backs.  Watching  them  are  Mrs. 
CARVER,  Mrs.  BREWSTER,  and  Mrs.  TILLEY.  Scat 
tered  about  in  small  groups  are  the  rest  of  the  older 
women,  most  of  them  looking  wretched  and  ill. 
STANDISH,  with  a\  final  twist  of  his  corselet,  moves  out 
as  if  to  lead  his  little  force. 

CARVER 

You  will  return  in  two  days'  time? 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 9Jt 

STANDISH 

Unless  we  find  beyond  in  this  Cape  Cod  what  makes 
it  wise  to  linger.  Then  we  will  send  a  messenger. 

BREWSTER 

We  shall  be  sorely  anxious. 

COPPIN 

Whatever  you  find,  'twill  not  equal  the  land  about 
the  harbor  yonder,  (he  points  north)  across  the  bay  of 
which  I  have  often  told  you. 

STANDISH 

Good  master  pilot,  if  we  have  not  seen  it,  'tis  not 
for  lack  of  your  telling. 

BRADFORD 

Very  like,  the  place  which  MASTER  COPPIN  praises 
is  that  of  which  THOMAS  DERMER  wrote  in  a  letter 
I  saw  last  June.  He  said,  could  there  come  to  the 
number  of  fifty  persons,  the  first  plantation  might  well 
be  seated  there. 

CARVER 

All  in  good  time,  MASTER  COPPIN.  Here  is  a 
country  much  like  our  own  dunes  of  Holland,  and  well 
wooded.  Till  we  know  it  is  not  fitted  for  us,  we  will 
not  risk  more  hardship  for  these  (with  a  gesture  toward 
the  women)  who  have  borne  so  much. 

STANDISH 

We  might  well  go  farther  and  fare  worse.  (Dur 
ing  the  conversation  the  men  have  been  making  the 


92 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

final  adjustments  to  their  accoutrements.  Leaving  the 
tubs  and  the  work,  the  younger  people  press  about  the 
expedition.)  Fall  in!  (For  a  moment  DOROTHY 
BRADFORD  -flings  herself  into  her  husband's  arms, 
trembling.) 

BRADFORD 

What  is  it,  DOROTHY? 

DOROTHY 

I  know  not,  but  oh!     I  fear. 

BRADFORD 

For  me?     (Pause.)     For  you? 

DOROTHY 

I  know  not,  but  I  fear.  (BRADFORD,  putting  her 
gently  aside,  takes  his  place.  At  the  order  "March" 
the  sixteen  men  move  off  swiftly,  some  of  the  children 
running  after  them,  the  women  waving  farewell.  As 
the  group  with  STANDISH  goes  into  the  darkness,  the 
concealed  chorus  sings 

THE  SONG  OF  THE  PILGRIM  WOMEN 
By  JOSEPHINE  PRESTON  PEABODY 
Music  by  GEORGE  W.  CHADWICK 

CHORUS   OF   WOMEN 

After  the  nights  and  days, 

Our  hearts  pour  out  their  praise, 
O  Father,  who  hast  led  us  here, 

Over  the  dim  sea-ways. 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 93 

A  VERY  FEW  OLDER  WOMEN 

(The  dread  sea-ways) 
YOUNG  GIRLS 

Earth,  Earth,  she  bloometh! — 

The  water-brook  it  hummeth: — 
And  ah,  when  April  cometh — 

(Run,  lads,  run) 
Hey-ho,  land  at  last: — 
Hey-ho,  the  Sun! 

CHORUS    OF    WOMEN 

Our  strength  was  like  to  fail, 

Even  as  a  shuddering  sail — 
Trembling  upon  our  lips, 
Thy  hand  upheld  us  who  went  down, 

Down  to  the  sea  in  ships! 

THE    FEW    OLDER    VOICES 

(Down  to  the  sea  in  ships) 
YOUNG  GIRLS 

And  some  day,  from  our  sowing, 

Midsummer  overflowing: — 
Ways  of  brightness,  for  our  feet  unknowing! 

(All,   all  unknowing). 

THE    FEW    OLDER   VOICES 
(All,  all  unknowing) 

YOUNG  GIRLS 

Thistle-down,  for  spinning,  O! 
Bless  the  good  beginning! 


94 THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

CHORUS   OF   WOMEN 

O,  fold  us  in  Thy  keeping: 

Hold  us  above  our  weeping, — 
Us,  and  our  young,  young  children, 

Thou  Unsleeping! 
(Unsleeping,  unsleeping) 

YOUNG  GIRLS 

Bring  all  your  boughs  for  burning: 

Run,  lad,  run! 
Boughs  of  fir — 

And  juniper — 

Breathing  in  the  Sun. 

CHORUS   OF   WOMEN 

Forgive  our  blind  amaze 

Through  all  these  blindfold  days. 
Thou  knowest. — Thou  wilt  see 
Beyond  our  poor  discerning. 
All  of  our  treasury 

We  offer  here  to  Thee:— 
We,  the  unreturning. 

ALL 

(  Unreturning  ) 

In  the  first  stanza  the  older  women,  who  have 
gathered  in  one  group,  move  wearily  and  lift  their 
heads.  In  the  first  two  lines  of  the  first  stanza  of  the 
young  girls,  they  look  up  from  their  work  and  around 
them.  The  boys  give  the  hint  for  the  line,  "Run,  lads, 
run"  and  during  the  last  two  lines  the  girls  stand 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 95 

with  uplifted,  happy  faces.  While  the  older  women 
sing  the  next  lines,  the  girls  work.  Again  the  young 
girls,  in  their  second  stanza,  lift  their  heads  from  over 
the  tubs.  On  the  repeat,  "All,  all  unknowing"  the 
older  women  shake  their  heads  sadly.  The  boys  bring 
wood  as  the  young  girls  sing  the  next  two  lines.  Pan 
tomime  illustrates  the  next  five  lines  of  the  young  girls. 
On  the  last  lines  of  the  older  women,  the  younger, 
looking  at  one  another  pityingly,  move  comfortingly 
toward  the  older  group.  On  "Thou  knowest"  some  of 
the  older  women  bury  their  heads  on  the  shoulders  of 
others.  On  "We  offer  here  to  thee"  a  half  dozen 
women,  not  together,  but  in  succession,  drop  on  their 
knees  in  prayer.  DOROTHY  BRADFORD,  standing  a  little 
apart,  shading  her  eyes,  looks  off  toward  the  place 
where  her  husband  has  disappeared.  As  the  song  ends 
the  lights  close  down. 

SCENE   III 

THE    FIRST    LANDINGS    AT    PLYMOUTH — December 
21-29,  1620 

Light  grows  slowly.  Only  a  small  part  of  the  Field, 
near  the  Rock,  is  shown.  By  the  Rock  three  sailors  and 
the  MASTER  GUNNER  of  the  Mayflower  stand  on 
guard,  from  their  pantomime  evidently  expectant.  En 
ter  briskly  from  right  CAPTAIN  STANDISH,  EDWARD 
WINSLOW,  JOHN  TILLEY,  EDWARD  DOTEN,  MASTER 
CLARK  and  one  of  the  sailors.  From  left,  almost  at  the 


96 THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

same  time,  come  GOVERNOR  CARVER,  WILLIAM  BRAD 
FORD,  EDWARD  TILLEY,  JOHN  ROWLAND,  RICHARD 
WARREN,  MASTER  COPPIN,  STEPHEN  HOPKINS  and 
a  sailor.  All  are  armed  and  have  evidently  been  pros 
pecting.  They  are  loaded  with  game,  (turkeys,  a  deer, 
some  rabbits)  and  carry  great  bags  of  corn  over  their 
shoulders.  Meeting  near  the  Rock,  they  gesticulate 
toward  the  empty  Field,  Town  Brook,  and  Kingston, 
but  especially  toward  Fort  Hill  as  if  describing  their 
reconnoitering.  Evidently  well  pleased,  they  pass  down 
by  the  Rock.  The  lights  darken  on  the  Pilgrims.  Two 
Indians  skulking  at  extreme  right  are  seen.  At  once, 
as  if  watching,  two  other  Indians  enter  by  the  Rock. 
To  these  lope  the  Indians  at  extreme  right.  A  very 
slight  pause.  MacDowell's  "1620"  is  played.  Suddenly, 
the  lights  penetrating  farther,  the  replica  of  the  May 
flower  is  revealed,  lying  in  the  harbor.  If  she  is  near 
enough,  women  and  children  can  be  seen  on  her  deck. 
With  startled  looks,  the  Indians  withdraw.  The  light 
growing,  reveals,  about  the  Rock,  some  eighty  people, 
men,  women  and  children,  who  are  landing.  Some  of 
the  women  are  supported  by  the  men,  seeming  much 
travel-worn.  One  or  two  are  carried,  as  are  some  of 
the  children.  Many  of  the  men  bear  axes,  hammers, 
adzes,  saws,  as  if  about  to  set  to  work  felling  and  shap 
ing  trees.  As  they  scramble  up  from  the  boats,  some 
of  the  men  slip  and  fall.  When  all  are  on  land,  there 
is  an  instant's  pause  as  they  look  about  with  satisfaction 
and  sighs  of  content.  At  a  gesture  from  BREWSTER, 


THE   PILGRIM  SPIRIT 97 

they  sink  on  their  knees  for  the  first  stanza  of  the 
HYMN  OF  PRAISE.  While  the  women  are  singing  their 
chorus,  the  men  rise  and  take  positions,  so  that  they 
surround  the  women  and  children  in  the  march  to 
follow.  To  the  last  stanza  of  the  chorus  they  cross  the 
stage.  As  they  go  the  lights  darken. 


HYMN  OF  PRAISE 

Written  by  HERMANN  HAGEDORN  for  MACDOWELL'S 
"1620" 

MIXED  CHORUS 

God,  our  Father!  Glory,  Lord  to  thee! 

Before    whose    voice    is    mute    the    thund'ring    sea! 

Through  wind  and  foam 

Thou  leadst  us  home — 
To  Thee  be  glory  through  eternity. 

CHORUS  OF  WOMEN 

Lord,  hunger  and  cold  are  nigh! 
Lord,  not  for  ourselves  we  cry — 
Let  not  our  children  die! 

CHORUS   OF    MEN 

Silence  your  loud  alarms! 
God  is  our  shield  from  harms — 
He  will  make  strong  our  arms. 
Christ  who  has  calmed  the  wave, 
Christ  will  uphold  the  brave. 


98  THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 

MIXED  CHORUS 

Christ,  our  Saviour !     Father  of  our  Faith ! 

To  Thee  we  bring   faint  hearts   and    failing-breath. 

Be  Thou  our  Guide! 

With  thee  we  bide, — 
To  love,  to  labor,  and  to  hope  till  death ! 

SCENE   IV 
THE  INDIAN  QUESTION 

April  I,  1621 

As  the  lights  go  up,  STANDISH,  BREWSTER,  and  a 
half  dozen  others  are  at  center  of  the  Field,  fully 
armed.  With  them  are  SAMOSET  and  TISQUANTUM. 
Both  the  Indians  are  gesticulating  toward  the  left.  In 
obedience  to  their  gestures,  STANDISH  and  his  group 
move  in  that  direction.  As  the  lights  penetrate,  they 
reveal  MASSASOIT  and  QUADAQUINA  surrounded  by 
some  fifty-eight  Indians.  As  MASSASOIT  and  his 
braves  move  forward,  WlNSLOW  steps  into  their  path. 
As  a  result  only  some  twenty  of  the  Indians  accompany 
MASSASOIT.  Even  these  lay  down  their  bows  and 
arrows  before  starting.  As  WlNSLOW  moves  to  ac 
company  MASSASOIT,  the  latter  puts  his  hand  on 
WINSLOW'S  shoulders  and  motions  that  he  is  to  stay 
with  QUADAQUINA.  MASSASOIT  is  a  large  man  of 
grave  countenance.  About  his  neck  he  wears  a  great 
chain  of  white  bone  beads.  To  this,  behind  his  neck, 
is  attached  a  little  bag  of  tobacco.  His  face  is  painted 


THE  PILGRIM  SPIRIT 99 

a  deep  red  or  mulberry.  Both  his  head  and  face  are 
oiled.  In  his  bosom,  hanging  by  a  string,  is  a  long 
knife.  When  MASSASOIT  and  his  party  meet  STAND- 
ISH'S  group ,  they  salute.  STANDISH  pantomimes  an 
order  to  SAMOSET  and  TISQUANTUM,  who  guide  the 
Indians  to  center,  accompanied  by  the  settlers.  There 
a  large  green  rug  and  two  or  three  cushions  are  lying. 
Instantly  there  is  the  sound  of  a  drum  and  trumpet.  Ac 
companied  by  eight  musketeers,  GOVERNOR  CARVER 
enters.  He  kisses  the  hand  of  MASSASOIT;  the  KING 
kisses  him  on  the  cheek.  At  a  gesture  from  the  GOV 
ERNOR,  MASSASOIT  and  three  or  four  of  his  followers 
seat  themselves  on  the  rug,  as  do  CARVER,  BREWSTER, 
BRADFORD,  and  FULLER.  The  others  remain  standing. 
At  a  signal  from  the  GOVERNOR,  WILLIAM  LATHAM 
steps  forward  and  fills  two  cups  from  which  the  GOV 
ERNOR  and  MASSASOIT  drink.  Then  CARVER,  rising, 
to  the  consternation  of  MASSASOIT  who  has  to  be  kept 
sitting  by  TISQUANTUM  and  SAMOSET,  reads  the  terms 
of  treaty.  He  pauses  after  each  paragraph  to  let  TIS 
QUANTUM,  who  stands  with  his  back  to  the  audience, 
pantomime  as  interpreter.  As  the  reading  goes  on, 
MASSASOIT  shows  approval  by  his  nods,  and  his  fol- 
owers  by  their  grunts.  Throughout  the  scene,  however, 
MASSASOIT  has  difficulty  in  restraining  his  nervous 
trembling. 

CARVER 

These  are  the  conditions  on  which  we  would  have 
you  as  neighbors  and  allies. 


IOO  THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

1.  Neither  you  nor  any  of  yours  shall  do  hurt  to 
any  of  our  people.     (The  Indians  look  at  each 
other.) 

2.  If  any  of  yours  do  hurt  to  any  of  ours,  you  shall 
send    the   offender   that   we   may   punish   him. 
(The  Indians  look  at  MASSASOIT.) 

3.  If  any  of  our  tools  be  taken  away  when  our 
people  are  at  work,  you  shall  cause  them  to  be 
restored,  and  if  our  people  do  any  harm  to  any  of 
yours,  we  will  do  the  like  to  you.      (The  In 
dians  show  approval  of  the  last  words.} 

4.  If  any  do  unjustly  war  against  you,  we  will  aid 
you;  if  any  do  war  against  us,  you  shall  aid  us. 
(Loud  grunts  of  approval.     MASSASOIT  nods, 
pleased. ) 

5.  You  shall  send  to  your  neighbor  confederates, 
to  tell  them  of  this,  that  they  may  not  wrong 
us,  but  may  likewise  be  included  in  the  condi 
tions  of  peace.     (Nods  of  assent.) 

6.  When  your  men  come  to  us,  they  shall  leave 
their  bows  and  arrows  behind  them,  as  we  will 
do  our  pieces  when  we  come  to  you.      (Nods 
of  assent  and  grunts.) 

Lastly,  doing  thus,  KING  JAMES  will  esteem  of 

you  as  his  friend  and  ally. 

(CARVER  shows  MASSASOIT  that  he  has  signed  the 
document,  and  motions  that  he  is  to  do  the  same.  1  he 
latter  looks  inquiringly  at  SAMOSET  and  TISQUANTUM. 
TlSQUANTUM  taking  a  quill  and  ink-horn  from 


THE    PILGRIM   SP.KIT 


LATHAM,  guides  the  hand  of  MASSASOIT,  who  signs 
with  a  grunt.  As  he  finishes,  he  says  something  to 
TISQUANTUM. 

TISQUANTUM 

The  great  Sagamore,  MASSASOIT,  says  he  will  stay 
near,  this  night. 

CARVER 

With  all  these?     (Gesture  to  Indians.) 

TISQUANTUM 

Yes. 

CARVER 

How  near? 

TISQUANTUM 

Half  a  mile. 

BREWSTER 

(Looking  at  Standish)  Is  it  wise?  (The  women 
and  children  who  have  come  in  press  close  to  listen, 
disturbed  and  anxious.) 

STANDISH 

Safe  enough.  We  will  set  guards  along  the  brook 
and  round  the  town.  (A  woman  presses  toward  him 
as  if  to  expostulate,  but  he  waves  her  aside.  MASSA 
SOIT  who  has  been  watching  the  colloquy  with  doubt 
and  some  trembling,  now  moves  tentatively  toward  the 
place  from  which  he  came.  At  once  CARVER  falls  into 
step  with  him.  The  two  groups,  mingling,  move 
toward  lower  left.  There  CARVER  and  MASSASOIT 
embrace.  WINSLOW  is  released.  As  the  Indians  move 


102 THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT 

off,  the  men  return  to  the  waiting  women  and  children. 
STANDISH  is  talking  with  CARVER  as  he  comes.) 

MRS.   BREWSTER 

(As  they  approach)  Think  you  it  safe  to  have  them 
so  near,  and  we  so  few  and  unprotected? 

STANDISH 

Fear  not,  MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  They  have  seen 
our  people  alone  in  the  woods  at  work  and  fowling. 
They  have  done  naught  when  they  might  easily  have 
harmed  them.  Think,  too,  that  MASSASOIT  believes 
we  may  be  some  strength  to  him  against  the  Narra- 
gansetts  who  are  powerful  enemies  of  his.  And  (as 
he  handles  his  gun)  did  you  not  see  him  tremble? 
These  our  pieces  are  very  terrible  unto  them. 

MRS.    BREWSTER 

But  we  are  so  few. 

STANDISH 

But  prepared.  If  it  come  time  to  strike,  we  shall 
strike  first  and  strike  hard. 

CARVER 

Surely  with  fair  dealing  and  humanity  shown  to  these 
savages  they  will  deal  honestly  with  us. 

STANDISH 

So  believe  I,  and  I  think  time  will  prove  it.  Fall 
in. 

To  the  sound  of  trumpet  and  drum,  the  little  troop 


THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT 103 

escort   the   GOVERNOR   toward  Leyden   Street.      The 
lights  close  in. 

SCENE  V 
THE  RETURN  OF  THE  MAYFLOWER,  April  15,  1621 

Light  thrown  on  the  Mayflower  shows  activity  on  its 
deck.  The  Field  reveals  the  settlers,  greatly  depleted 
in  numbers,  watching  the  Mayflower.  A  group  of 
boys  is  on  the  water's  edge  gesticulating  toward  the 
ship.  Even  as  the  lights  go  up,  another  group  comes 
running  in,  from  the  right,  to1  the  water's  edge. 
Nearer  center  stand  together  PRISCILLA  MULLINS, 
MARY  CHILTON,  and  ELIZABETH  TILLEY,  with  JOHN 
ALDEN  and  JOHN  ROWLAND.  SAMUEL  EATON,  with 
MRS.  CARVER'S  maid,  who  carries  EATON'S  mother 
less  child  in  her  arms,  make  a  second  group.  ISAAC  AL- 
LERTON  with  his  two  children,  MARY  and  REMEMBER, 
stand  a  little  apart.  DESIRE  MINTER,  HUMILITY 
COOPER  and  the  boy,  HENRY  SAMPSON,  stand  between 
the  main  group  and  the  boys  at  the  water's  edge.  At 
center  are  BRADFORD,  BREWSTER,  MRS.  BREWSTER, 
HOPKINS,  MRS.  HOPKINS  with  OCEANUS  in  her  arms, 
the  two  HOPKINS  girls,  and  CAPTAIN  STANDISH. 
BILLINGTON  and  MRS.  BILLINGTON,  with  WILLIAM 
LATHAM,  are  near,  but  a  little  apart.  Three  or  four 
more  men  are  between  this  group  and  the  water  s  edge, 
to  the  left.  All  are  turned  toward  the  ship  watching 
it.  FULLER  is  entering  as  the  lights  go  up. 


104 THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

FULLER 
(As  he  joins  the  central  group}   Not  sailed  yet? 

BRADFORD 

Nay,  but  'tis  only  a  matter  of  minutes. 

BREWSTER 

How  are  your  sick  today  ? 

FULLER 

(Looking  guardedly  about)  We  gain  daily,  now  the 
winter  is  past. 

MRS.    HOPKINS 

Then  with  but  seven  out  of  one  hundred  able  to 
tend  the  sick,  we  had  all  died  had  it  not  been  for  you, 
DOCTOR,  CAPTAIN  STANDISH,  and  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

FULLER 
The  worst  is  over. 

HOPKINS 

A  bitter  winter.  Scarce  a  family  left  untouched. 
Whole  families  blotted  out,  and  others  like  those  girls 
there  (he  nods  toward  PRISCILLA,  MARY  and  ELIZA 
BETH)  left  fatherless  and  motherless. 

EATON 

'Tis  bitter  hard  for  us  whose  wives,  being  taken, 
have  left  little  ones  like  this  of  mine,  to  be  mothered 
by  the  tenderness  of  others.  (The  maid,  hushing  the 
baby,  smiles  at  him.) 


THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT 105 

ALLERTON 

(With  his  hands  on  the  shoulders  of  his  children) 
Bitterest  that  we  must  level  the  graves  of  our  dead 
here  on  Cole's  Hill  lest  the  Indians  suspect  how  weak 
death  was  making  us. 

MRS.  WHITE 

(Tearfully)  Where  we  buried  my  WILLIAM,  corn 
will  soon  be  growing.  Nothing  to  show  where  a 
good  husband  and  father  lies. 

STANDISH 

In  days  when  there  were  scarce  a  half  dozen  able- 
bodied  men  among  us,  we  could  take  no  chances. 

ALLERTON 

A  score  of  the  men  who  signed  the  Compact  gone ! 

EATON 

Only  WILLIAM  LATHAM  there  of  the  nine  serving 
men  who  came  with  us. 

MRS.    BREWSTER 

(Much  moved)  And  but  a  half  dozen  left  of  all  the 
wives  and  mothers. 

BREWSTER 

Verily,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  hath  been  hard  upon 
us. 

BRADFORD 

Surely  ye  remember  the  words  of  PASTOR  ROBIN 
SON  :  "We  should  so  live  as  being  content  to  die  when 


106 THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT 

God  calls  us  hence;  not  in  senseless  blockishness  over 
coming  death  as  the  most  do  by  forgetting  it;  as  if  a 
man  overcame  his  enemy  by  getting  as  far  from  him  as 
he  could.  It  is  ill  to  wish  death,  but  worse  to  fear 
it." 

MRS.    BREWSTER 

(Gently  placing  her  hand  on  BRADFORD'S  arm)  You 
may  rebuke  us,  WILLIAM,  you  whose  sweet  DOROTHY 
died  at  Provincetown. 

BREWSTER 

(Pointing  to  the  younger  groups)  And  the  Lord 
hath  spared  youth  to  us,  for  of  the  eleven  girls  he  hath 
taken  but  one,  and  of  some  twenty  boys  but  six. 
The  future  is  still  ours. 

STANDISH 

Here  must  we  stand,  a  bulwark;  for  without  us, 
who  knows  that  the  French  would  not  push  down  from 
the  north  and  the  Spaniard  press  up  from  the  south, 
till  there  should  be  no  chance  to  plant  here  the  flag 
of  England,  or  find  any  refuge  for  such  as  we. 

WINSLOW 

'Tis  hard  and  lonely  now,  but,  till  we  be  well  es 
tablished,  better  our  nearest  neighbors  hundreds  of 
miles  away  than  rivalry  and  quarrels  close  at  hand. 

BRADFORD 

Is  there  any  here  who  would  turn  back?  (Quick 
chorus  of  "Nays.")  Count  it  not  for  a  hardship  that 


THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT  107 

ye  have  broken  the  ice  for  them  that  shall  come  after. 
It  shall  be  for  great  praise  unto  you. 

A  gun  is  fired  on  the  Mayflower,  for  departure.  All 
the  group  wave  and  call  goodbyes.  There  are  figures 
waving  on  the  deck  of  the  Mayflower.  In  the  con 
fusion  an  older  woman  has  entered,  Mrs.  CARVER,  and 
stands  weeping  as  she  looks  at  the  ship.  BREWSTER 
steps  toward  her,  as  does  DR.  FULLER. 

BREWSTER 

Grieve  not,  MRS.  CARVER. 

MRS.  CARVER 

(Sobbingly)  It  is  hard  to  see  it  go — our  home  for 
many  months,  the  last  tie  that  binds  us  with  our 
friends  three  thousand  miles  away.  (She  puts  her  head 
on  FULLER'S  shoulder.) 

FULLER 

How  is  JOHN? 

OTHER    VOICES 

Aye,  The  Governor — How  is  he? — Better? — Not 
so  ill? 

MRS.  CARVER 

(Lifting  her  head)  I  but  left  him  for  a  moment.  He 
(looking  at  FULLER)  tells  me  JOHN  cannot  live  the 
night  out. 

General  grief  and  consternation.  MRS.  BREWSTER 
and  MRS.  HOPKINS  going  to  her,  lead  her  weeping, 
off  left.  FULLER  has  nodded  affirmatively  to  the  in 
quiring  group,  and  passes  quickly  off  after  her. 


108 THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT 

BREWSTER 

Let  us  go  to  the  Fort  and  pray  for  the  safe  passage 
of  this  ship,  and  our  dying  GOVERNOR. 

Quickly  they  fall  into  position,  three  abreast,  led  by 
one  of  the  men  armed.  Behind  him  comes  BREWSTER, 
with  STANDISH  on  his  left.  They  are  so  arranged  that 
on  the  outside  are  the  more  completely  armed  men. 

STANDISH 

(As  they  fall  in}  We  will  go  by  the  right  that  our 
passing  may  not  disquiet  the  GOVERNOR. 

BRADFORD 

(Sadly)  He  hears  nothing. 

Sadly,  slowly,  with  bowed  heads  they  go  out  by  the 
right.  The  lights  close  in. 


SCENE  VI 
NEW  COLONISTS.  Plymouth,  November  5,  1623 

The  lights  suggest  dusk  in  early  November.  It  is 
cold,  as  the  heavy  clothing  and  the  gestures  of  the 
Pilgrims  show.  As  the  lights  go  up,  six  or  eight  youths 
and  men  are  moving  across  the  Field  from  left  to 
right,  carrying  clapboards.  As  they  move  swiftly,  one 
stops  to  lay  down  his  burden  and  beat  his  arms  against 
his  body.  Two  more  halt  to  warm  their  benumbed 
fingers. 

FIRST   MAN 

'Twill  be  bitter  cold  to-night. 


w  " 

K    ^ 
h   ^ 


THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT  109 

SECOND    MAN 

'Tis  always  cold,  these  early  November  nights. 
Enter    rapidly,    as    from    Leyden    St.,    GOVERNOR 
BRADFORD. 

BRADFORD 

Why  were  not  those  loaded  on  the  vessel  ? 

FIRST   MAN 

The  Cap'n  has  all  the  clapboards  he  will  take  back 
to  England. 

SECOND    MAN 

He  would  take  more  beaver,  an'  we  had  it. 
BRADFORD 

Nay,  beaver  is  scarce  this  year.  Well,  (with  a 
gesture)  let  these  wait  in  the  storehouse  until  the  next 
ship  comes.  (As  they  pick  up  their  burdens  and  go 
off)  But  see  that  you  put  them  well  away  from  our 
food  supplies,  that  those  may  be  come  at  readily.  (As 
they  turn  away  saying  "Aye" — "That  we  will"  etc., 
there  is  the  sound  of  bibulous  singing  in  the  direction 
of  Leyden  St.)  Who  are  those? 

A  MAN 

Belike  'tis  sailors  from  the  ship  yonder,  or  some  of 
the  men  who  came  in  the  Anne  last  spring,  making 
merry. 

BRADFORD 

Go,  one  of  you,  and  in  my  name  bid  them  cease  this 
racketing. 


HO THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

A  MAN 

That  will  I. 

BRADFORD 

(A  little  sternly)  And  be  mindful  all,  we  are  not  in 
any  way  so  much  in  danger  as  by  corrupt  and  naughty 
company. 

THE  GROUP 

(As  they  pass  off)  "Aye,  GOVERNOR,"  "Aye, 
MASTER  BRADFORD," — "Good  night." 

As  BRADFORD  turns  toward  right,  there  is  the  sound 
of  approaching  altercation  in  the  direction  from  which 
the  workers  came.  Enter  some  twenty-five  people,  men, 
women,  and  children.  JOHN  OLDHAM  and  six  of 
those  who  came  with  him  in  the  ANNE,  with  an  equal 
number  who  came  with  GORGES,  are  in  the  group.  The 
rest  are  original  settlers. 

OLDHAM 

(As  they  enter  angrily)  I  care  not  what  the  bar 
gain  was.  We  will  not  go  hungry. 

ORIGINAL  SETTLER 

But,  JOHN  OLDHAM,  the  agreement  was — 

ANOTHER  SETTLER 

Let  the  GOVERNOR  here  decide.  (They  cluster  ex 
citedly  about  BRADFORD)  MASTER  BRADFORD,  was  it 
not  agreed  between  us,  the  original  settlers  of  the" 
Mayflower,  and  those  who  came  in  the  ship  Anne 
last  April,  or  in  September  by  the  ship  of  GORGES 
yonder — 


THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT III 

OLDHAM 

(Bellowing)  Agreements  count  not,  if  hunger 
presses. 

BRADFORD 

Silence.     (He  turns  to  the  SECOND  SETTLER.) 

SECOND  SETTLER 

Last  April,  you  and  the  Council  put  by  the  rules 
of  the  Company  that  each  should  plant  for  all,  and  let 
us  plant  each  for  himself.  That  gave  us  new  life. 
Even  these,  our  wives  and  children,  went  gladly  to  the 
fields  to  plant  and  hoe.  We  had  hopes  of  a  great 
harvest,  yet  were  we  cautious. 

OLDHAM 

You  misers?    Call  you  it  caution? 

THE    MAN 

Aye,  for  you  and  your  friends  here,  coming  well 
provisioned,  were  unwilling  to  share  with  us  in  a  com 
mon  holding,  lest  thus  your  food  should  be  gone  too 
soon.  But  we,  knowing  of  old  how  quickly  great  pro 
visioning  is  spent,  came  to  you  (to  BRADFORD  who 
nods)  with  some  of  these  very  men  who  now  complain, 
asking  that  we  might  hoard  our  crops  as  they  their 
food,  each  enjoying  his  own. 

BRADFORD 

What,  then,  is  wrong? 

OLDHAM  and  two  or  three  of  the  contestants  start 
to  speak,  but  one  of  his  friends  dominates. 


112 THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

FRIEND  OF  OLDHAM 

These  are  mean  of  heart.  When  our  food  is  gone, 
not  wasted,  they  will  not  give  us  theirs. 

OLDHAM 

Fine  Christians  they,  who  serve  their  own  bellies! 

THE  FORMER  SPEAKER 

You  know,  MASTER  GOVERNOR,  that  the  harvest 
disappointed  our  hopes  even  though  the  great  drought 
from  May  to  mid- July  was  broken  by  God  in  answer 
to  our  prayers. 

SECOND  EARLY  SETTLER 

Nay,  as  the  corn  ripened,  'twas  stolen  again  and 
again. 

ONE  OF  OLDHAM'S  GROUP 
What  of  prowling   Indians? 

THE  FORMER  SPEAKER 

The  footprints  in  the  fields  were  not  of  Indians. 

OLDHAM'S  FOLLOWER 
Mean  ye  to  say  we  stole  it? 

FORMER  SPEAKER 

I  say  naught, — but  the  prints  were  of  good  English 
boots. 

M  uttering  s,  scu filings,  and  a  threatened  fight. 

BRADFORD 

No  quarreling,  or  I  will  put  you  in  the  stocks. 


THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 113 

WOMAN 

(Wails)  Would  I  were  in  England  once  again! 

ANOTHER  WOMAN 

Would  I  had  never  left  it !  I  heard  here  was  every 
thing  for  comfort, — great  houses,  a  land  rich  and 
plentiful. 

MAN 

(Mockingly)  Ay,  and  a  town  well  walled  and  forti 
fied  against  the  savages. 

VOICES  OF  WOMEN 

I  fear, — I  fear. 

Some  of  the  children  break  into  crying. 

OLDHAM 

(Truculently)  Aye,  and  what  find  we?  Canvas 
booths,  houses  of  hewn  trees,  flimsy  defences.  And  now, 
for  want  of  food,  we  starve. 

BRADFORD 

(Somewhat  whimsically)  BROTHER  OLDHAM,  you 
look  not  starving.  (With  a  glance  at  OLDHAM'S  com 
panions)  Nor  you,  my  friends. 

OLDHAM 

One  may  eat,  and  starve  for  food  that  nourishes. 

A   COMPANION 

(Contemptuously)  Ay,  for  the  beef  and  beer  of 
England  you  give  us  strange  fish  from  the  sea  and  a 
draught  of  water. 


114 THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

SECOND   COMPANION 

Ay,  when  we  were  promised  food  like  the  best  in 
England. 

BRADFORD 

Did  anyone  here  promise  it?     (Pause) 

THE  MAN 

Nay,  but  the  Company  in  England  did,  with  rich 
living,  wealth  and  ease. 

WOMAN 
This   is  no   land    for   gentlemen. 

ANOTHER  WOMAN 

Nor  citizens. 

WOMAN 

(Scornfully)    No, — for  farmers — and   fishermen. 

THE  GROUP 

(Muttering)  'Tis  me  for  England. — Aye,  as  soon 
as  the  ship  of  GORGES  sails. — Aye,  aye,  etc. 

V 

BRADFORD 

(Kindly  but  firmly)  My  friends,  as  ye  were  welcome 
when  ye  came,  so  shall  you  be  when  you  go,  if  you 
think  not  this  place  for  your  good.  Glad  are  we  of 
honest  men's  company  and  loath  to  part  from  the  same. 
For  our  friends  in  Holland,  we  much  desire  their 
company  and  have  long  expected  the  same:  if  we  had 
them  instead  of  some  others,  we  are  persuaded  things 


_  THE   PILGRIM   SPIRIT  _  115 

would  have  been  better  than  they  are  with  us,  for 
honest  men  will  ever  do  their  best  endeavor  whilst 
others,  though  they  be  more  able  of  body  (with  a 
pointed  look),  will  scarce  by  any  means  be  brought  to 
it.  (He  turns  to  the  man  who  first  spoke  to  him) 
Who  is  in  the  front  of  this  complaining?  (The  man 
points  to  OLDHAM.)  So,  as  I  thought,  it  is  you,  JOHN 
OLDHAM. 

OLDHAM 

(With  a  gesture)  Some  one  must  speak  to  their 
selfishness  for  them  as  dare  not, 

BRADFORD 

JOHN  OLDHAM,  and  you  among  this  crowd  who 
think  with  him,  answer  me  these  questions.  (Uneasy 
movement  in  the  crowd.)  You  came  among  us  by 
the  ship  ANNE  in  April,  or  in  this  ship  of  GORGES, 
not  as  we  of  the  MAYFLOWER  and  other  vessels,  to 
cast  in  your  lots  on  the  same  terms,  but  hoping  to 
live  here  by  and  for  yourselves,  or  as  adventurers  to 
stay  only  till  your  fortunes  be  made.  Have  we  not  re 
ceived  you  in  all  love  and  friendship,  assigning  you 
places  of  habitation,  succoring  you  when  ill?  (He 
pauses.  There  is  hesitation^  then  some  grudging 


OLDHAM 

So  you  take  praise  to  yourselves  for  not  turning  us 
out  to  the  savages  or  back  to  the  sea  in  ships  sorely  in 
need  of  refitting? 


Il6 THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

BRADFORD 

Have  we  not  left  you  free,  except  for  general  de 
fense  and  what  tends  to  the  perpetual  good  of  the 
colony  ? 

ONE  OF  OLDHAM'S  GROUP 

Have  ye  not  denied  us  all  trade  with  the  Indians 
for  furs  and  such  commodities? 

OLDHAM 

Ay,  and  have  ye  not  made  every  man  Jack  of  us 
over  sixteen  pay  one  bushel  of  Indian  wheat  or  the 
worth  of  it  to  the  common  store? 

BRADFORD 

So  that  is  where  the  shoe  pinches?  You  would 
share  in  all  our  toil  has  gained,  but  pay  nothing.  We 
cannot  by  our  agreement  with  those  in  England,  who 
aided  our  voyaging,  let  any  who  come  not  in  the  orig 
inal  conditions  share  in  the  Indian  trade. 

AN    OLDHAM    FOLLOWER 

(Threateningly)  Take  heed  lest  we  go  to  the  In 
dians  by  ourselves. 

BRADFORD 

(Sternly)  Take  ye  heed,  indeed.  Remember  WESTON 
and  WESSAGUSSET.  A  year  ago  he  came,  his  ship 
unseaworthy,  his  men  lacking  food,  and  many  ill.  We 
took  them  in;  we  nursed  them;  for  ours  is  the  belief 
of  our  good  pastor  JOHN  ROBINSON:  "To  strangers  we 
must  do  good  because  they  may  deserve  it,  and  do  stand 


THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 


in  need  of  it;  to  all  men  because  God  deserves  it  at 
our  hands  for  them."  They  went  out  from  us  to  live 
on  their  own.  What  result?  Like  you  they  wasted 
their  provender.  The  day  came  when  they  were  feign 
to  sell  the  very  shirts  off  their  backs  for  corn  and  when, 
to  keep  from  starving,  they  did  menial  service  for  the 
very  Indians  you  despise.  Scattering  to  find  nuts  in  the 
woods,  some  starved;  others  lurking  Indians  fell  upon 
and  slew. 

AN  EARLY  SETTLER 

Ay,  and  mind  you  this.  Had  not  the  GOVERNOR, 
CAPTAIN  STANDISH,  and  others  who  be  here,  gone  to 
their  rescue,  they  had  been  killed  to  the  last  man. 

BRADFORD 

(Sternly)  Return  to  England,  whoever  wishes  and 
can.  But  let  him  who  remains  know  this  :  no  man  who 
works  shall  starve,  but  he  who  has,  must  work  for  what 
he  gets,  and  must  share  in  the  common  defense. 

Grumbling,  discontent.  During  all  this  scene  the 
sound  of  roistering  has  been  louder  and  louder.  Sud~ 
denly,  as  a  light  shoots  up  over  Leyden  St.f  the  children 
cry.  "Look,  look!" 

BRADFORD 

(Horrified)  'Tis  fire.  Where  is  CAPTAIN  STAND 
ISH? 

SETTLER 

In  the  fields  beyond  the  Fort. 


Il8  THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

BRADFORD 

(Pointing  to  a  youth)  Go  warn  him,  if  he  has  not 
seen. 

There  have  been  looks  between  some  of  the  mal 
contents,  who,  with  their  women  and  children,  make 
off  toward  the  fire  covertly  during  the  following  dia 
logue.  As  the  youth  is  going  toward  the  exit  right, 
enter  one  of  the  workmen,  who  opened  the  scene. 

WORKMAN 

GOVERNOR,  GOVERNOR,  the  dwelling  next  the  store 
house  is  aflame. 

BRADFORD 

How  started  it? 

THE    MAN 

The  carousing  sailors.  First  the  chimney,  then  the 
thatch. 

At  the  entrance,  right,  the  youth  has  almost  run  into 
the  arms  of  CAPTAIN  STANDISH,  leading  a  group  of 
a  dozen  men.  Most  are  evidently  returning  from  the 
field,  for  they  carry  both  their  guns  and  their  farming 
implements.  Three  or  four  carry  buckets,  and  one 
or  two  wet  sheets.  STANDISH,  as  he  comes,  is  giving, 
in  pantomime,  orders  for  the  men  to  take  up  positions 
on  the  top  of  Cole's  Hill,  near  the  Rock,  and  by  the 
water-front.  He  tells  off  a  man  each  for  these  positions. 

STANDISH 

Stand  you  along  Town  Brook,  lest  any  Indians  come 
from  without  or  enemies  from  within  try  to  escape. 


THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 119 

Most  of  the  group  have  gone  out  to  Leyden  Street. 
As  BRADFORD  moves  to  STANDISH.,  a  second  of  the 
workmen  hurries  in. 

SECOND  MAN 

Hasten,  hasten.    Two  more  houses  are  afire. 

THIRD    YOUTH 

(Running  in)  The  storehouse  will  go  next.  The 
storehouse ! 

BRADFORD 

(To  STANDISH,  as  they  move  quickly  toward  Leyden 
St.)  If  that  be  burned,  then  are  we  overthrown. 

WOMAN'S  VOICE 

We  are  lost,  lost. 

Some  of  the  men  hurry  toward  Leyden  St.,  shouting 
"Throw  out  the  stores.  Throw  out  the  stores."  Others 
join  them,  particularly  the  remaining  malcontents,  cry 
ing:  "Yea,  throw  them  out,  throw  them  out."  Quickly 
STANDISH  bars  the  way,  with  BRADFORD  just  behind 
him. 

STANDISH 

Stand  ye.  Throw  out  the  goods  and  they  will  be 
stolen,  like  pur  corn.  (With  a  quick  look  at  some  of 
the  malcontents'.)  Remember,  and  spread  the  word. 
He  who  plunders,  I  will  shoot.  Now  come  ye  and 
fight  the  fire. 

They  hurry  into  a  group  of  women  and  children 
who  pour  out  from  Leyden  St.  in  confusion  and  terror. 
Other  women  and  children,  equally  terrified,  come  in 


120 THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

from  the  direction  of  North  St.  Smoke  and  flames 
have  increased.  Except  for  the  light  of  the  flames  it  is 
now  deep  darkness.  Men  and  youths,  carrying  buckets 
and  sheets,  hurry  across  from  right  to  left.  The  women 
and  children  huddle  together,  some  of  the  children 
crying,  the  women  wringing'  their  hands.  Older  chil 
dren  rush  to  and  fro  carrying  news.  The  flames 
subside. 

VOICES   OF   WOMEN   AND    CHILDREN 

Look,  look. — The  fire  lessens. — Aye,  they  have 
mastered  it. — God  be  praised. 

BOY 
(Running  in)  The  storehouse  flames  not.    'Tis  safe. 

WOMAN'S  VOICE 
Then  is  the  worst  over. 

VOICE 

(Suddenly  out  of  the  darkness  in  an  eerie  voice) 
Look  well  about  you.  All  be  not  friends  that  be  near. 

All  turn  toward  the  sound,  which  comes  from  near 
the  water.  There  is  a  moment  of  complete  panic. 
Two  or  three  of  the  more  intrepid  women  move  to 
ward  the  sound.  Nothing.  Some  of  the  older  lads 
scurry  into  the  darkness,  to  come  back,  awed  and  fright 
ened,  saying  "Nothing,  no  one"  Immediately  after  the 
cry,  some  of  the  boys  have  dashed  out  toward  Leyden 
St.  Now  they  return  with  an  older  lad  among  them, 
crying,  as  all  gather  round.  "Look,  look."  It  is  seen 
that  the  elder  boy  carries  a  firebrand.) 


THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT 121 

A  BOY 
He  ran  to  it — 

ANOTHER 

And  there  he  found — 

THE  LAD 
(Holding  the  brand  high}  This! 

THE  THREE   BOYS 

(In  rapid  succession)   He  found  it  inside  the  wall. 
Among  the  leaves.    The  withered  leaves  of  the  wattles. 
There  are  cries  of  disgust  and  anger. 

WOMAN 

'Tis  burnt,  the  shed. 

THE  LAD 

Nay,  we  saw  it  in  time. 

CHORUS  OF  LADS 
Aye,  we  saved  it,  aye, — Aye. 

The  light  of  the  fire  is  dim  now.  Out  of  the  dark" 
ness  come  STANDISH,  Governor  BRADFORD,  BREWSTER 
and  a  dozen  men.) 

BRADFORD 

Come,  good  people,  get  you  to  your  houses.  The 
danger  is  over,  the  roisterers  under  guard.  Captain 
STANDISH  sets  the  watch,  lest  the  Indians  be  treacher 
ous  or,  worse  still,  enemies  within.  Watch  your  homes 
well.  Be  wary.  Goodnight. 

The  women  and  children  pour  out  on  both  sides, 
mainly  on  Ley  den  St.  STANDISH,  sending  two  men  to 


122 THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

relieve  guard  at  left,  right  and  center  of  the  Field, 
leads  the  others  toward  North  St.  Behind  him  and  the 
little  group  of  soldiers  are  four  men  with  swinging 
lanterns.  The  last  light  of  the  fire  dies  out. 

SCENE  VII 

LYFORD  AND  OLDHAM — June,  1624 
The  lights  show  the  freemen  voters,  all  the  leaders 
except  WINSLOW  included,  assembled  in  General  Court. 
BRADFORD  is  presiding,  with  three  of  the  Council  sitting 
by  him  on  a  platform.  STANDISH,  wearing  his  sword, 
is  at  its  left  corner.  As  if  guarding  doorways  stand 
two  men  in  armor.  In  a  semi-circle  are  men,  women, 
and  children,  looking  on.  Among  these  are  some  fol 
lowers  of  OLDHAM  and  LYFORD.  Altogether  there  are 
some  eighty  men  present.  At  center  left  stand  JOHN 
LYFORD  and  JOHN  OLDHAM. 

BRADFORD 

(As  the  lights  go  up.)     JOHN  LYFORD  and  JOHN 
OLDHAM,  do  you  deny  that  you  have  plotted  to  dis 
establish  our  church  and  overthrow  our  government? 
LYFORD 

(Boldly)     I  know  naught  of  these  charges. 

OLDHAM 

Nor  I.    'Tis  but  wild  and  foolish  talk. 

BREWSTER 

May  not  the  Freemen  of  Plymouth  hear  the  charges 
in  detail? 


THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 123 

BRADFORD 

I  have  here  evidence  they  have  plotted  to  keep 
back  our  friends  in  Leyden,  especially  Pastor  ROBIN 
SON,  for  whose  company  we  have  yearned.  They  have 
intrigued  to  have  any  adventurer  vote  in  all  our  courts 
and  elections,  so  that  those  they  should  draw  to  them 
might  oversway  us,  the  original  settlers.  They  have 
schemed  to  have  a  certain  English  captain  sent  over 
to  replace  Master  STANDISH,  and  to  put  an  enemy  in 
EDWARD  WINSLOW'S  place  to  represent  us  in  England. 
They  have  by  secret  meetings  tried  to  draw  from 
among  us  those  who  hitherto  have  worked  with  us 
for  the  common  good.  They  have  schemed  to  keep 
from  us  those  who  would  come  on  right  conditions, 
saying  that  our  church  would  have  none  to  live  here 
but  ourselves,  and  that  none  are  willing  to  live  here 
who  have  company  to  live  elsewhere.  They  are  pre 
paring,  if  these  their  plans  fail,  to  live  at  a  little 
distance,  a  hostile  group  dividing  the  trade  and  the 
fishing.  Such  division  would  make  it  well-nigh  im 
possible  to  keep  the  word  we  have  given  friends  in 
England  for  the  debts  of  this  Colony. 

BREWSTER 

JOHN  OLDHAM,  know  ye  not  well  we  are  willing 
any  man  may  live  with  us  who  will  carry  himself 
peaceably  and  seek  the  common  good? 

OLDHAM 

When  have  I  denied  it? 


124 THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

BREWSTER 

How  say  ye,  LYFORD? 

LYFORD 

(Haughtily)  I  say  nothing. 

BREWSTER 

Stand  forth,  GODBERT  GODBERTSON  and  MOSES 
SIMONSON.  Were  ye  not  of  the  Dutch  Church  in 
Leyden? 

BOTH 

Yea. 

BREWSTER 

And  have  ye  not  been  received  among  us  as  of  our 
own  communion? 

SIMONSON 

That  have  I. 

GODBERTSON 

Yea,  for  a  certainty. 

At  BREWSTER'S  nod  they  withdraw. 

BREWSTER 

Stand  forth  Mistress  COOKE  and  PHILIP  DELANOY. 
(They  do.)  Were  ye  not  of  the  French  Church  in 
Holland? 

BOTH 

Yea. 

BREWSTER 

Complain  ye  of  your  welcome  here? 

DELANOY 

Nay. 


THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 125 

MRS.   COOKE 
In  no  wise. 

BREWSTER 

Our  church  at  Leyden  made  no  separation  from  the 
Reformed  Churches,  but  held  communion  with  those 
occasionally.  We  ever  placed  a  large  difference  be 
tween  those  men  who  grounded  their  practice  upon 
the  word  of  God,  though  differing  from  us  in  the 
understanding  of  it,  and  those  who  hated  such  re 
formers  and  reformation.  (With  a  nod  he  gives  the 
case  back  to  BRADFORD. 

BRADFORD 

Do  you  still  deny  these  charges? 

LYFORD 

I  do. 

OLDHAM 

(Breaking  in)  This  is  trumped-up  trickery.  We 
know  naught  of  this.  (Appealing  to  the  onlookers) 
Masters,  show  your  courage.  You  have  oft  com 
plained  to  me.  Now  is  the  time  to  act  I  will  stand 
by  you. 

There  is  a  little  muttering  of  approval. 

BRADFORD 

(Sternly)  Wait,  JOHN  OLDHAM!  You  shall  have 
the  evidence.  (He  picks  up  a  package  of  letters.)  At 
the  sailing  of  the  good  ship  Charity  last  September, 
your  Governor  and  other  leaders  of  your  church  here 


126 THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT 

present  noted  the  private  meetings  and  much  whisper 
ing  of  you  two  men  and  the  friction  you  were  causing. 
They  saw,  too,  that  you,  Master  LYFORD,  were  busy 
with  much  writing  of  letters.  Therefore,  knowing 
how  greatly  your  ill  will  might  hurt  us  in  England, 
we  went  out  to  the  ship  Charity,  and  called  for  your 
letters.  The  master,  WILLIAM  PIERCE,  knowing  well 
your  evil  dealing  here  and  in  England  aided  us.  There 
were  some  twenty  letters  of  yours,  LYFORD,  full  of 
slanders  and  false  accusations.  Do  you  deny  what  is 
here  written?  (He  passes  a  letter  to  Captain  STAND- 
ISH,  who  holds  it  before  LYFORD,  not  letting  it  out 
of  his  hand!  LYFORD  reads  it  with  a  startled  look, 
quickly  concealed.) 

LYFORD 

(Sneeringly)     This  is  no  writing  of  mine, 
BRADFORD 

Yea,  we  let  pass  most  of  the  twenty  letters,  taking 
only  copies.  But  for  some  of  the  most  important  we 
kept  the  originals,  sending  on  only  copies.  Is  this 
yours?  (He  passes  STANDISH  another.  LYFORD  is 
silent.)  And  this — and  this — and  this?  (He  passes 
others  to  STANDISH.  OLDHAM  tries  to  snatch  one  of 
the  letters  from  the  hand  of  STANDISH,  but  is  pre 
vented.) 

OLDHAM 

(Turning  to  the  audience)  What,  will  you  let  these 
over-bearers,  these  openers  of  other  men's  letter* — fine 


THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 127 

business  this! — will  you  let  them  override  us,  filling 
your  ears  with  lies? 

BRADFORD 

Softly,  JOHN  OLDHAM.  Here  be  letters  of  yours, 
too.  And  many,  and  (whimsically  as  he  scrutinizes  the 
handwriting)  for  such  as  can  read  them.  (Light 
laughter  in  the  crowd.  OLDHAM  shrugs  with  anger.) 
They  put  you  in  as  deep  as  Master  LYFORD. 

OLDHAM 

Masters,  have  ye  no  hearts  ?  'Twas  a  knavish  trick. 
(The  crowd  gives  him  no  heed.) 

BRADFORD 

Ay,  'twas  a  trick,  but  can  Master  LYFORD  com 
plain?  Among  his  letters  found  were  two  which  he 
had  opened  when  the  ship  Chanty  was  leaving  port 
in  England.  These  he  sealed  up  again,  sending  copies 
of  them  to  enemies  of  ours  in  England,  with  scurrilous 
and  flouting  words  written  in  their  margins.  Copies 
of  these  we  have.  (Murmurs  of  wonder  and  disgust 
from  the  audience.)  All  this  have  I  done  unwillingly, 
but  knowing  it  is  my  duty  as  your  Governor  to  pre 
serve  at  any  cost  our  church  and  our  government. 
(Murmurs  of  approval.  He  turns  to  the  culprits.) 
If  you  or  any  of  your  confederates  have  proof  or  wit 
ness  of  any  corrupt  or  evil  dealing  of  ours,  do  not 
spare  us.  Speak  out. 


128 THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT 

LYFORD 

(After  a  pause)  JOHN  BILLINGTON  and  EDWARD 
MARTIN  made  sundry  complaints  in  which  I  put  faith. 

BRADFORD 

Stand  forth,  JOHN  BILLINGTON.  (He  does.)  Upon 
your  oath,  how  say  you  to  this? 

BILLINGTON 

I  deny  it  all. 

BRADFORD 
EDWARD  MARTIN. 

MARTIN 

He  speaks  false. 

BRADFORD 

But  you  two  have  taken  counsel  with  him. 

BILLINGTON 

Many  times  he  would  draw  us  into  such  things  as 
we  would  not  consent  to. 

LYFORD 

(Sincerely)  Verily,  I  swear  to  you,  this  man  BIL 
LINGTON  said  these  things  to  me. 

BRADFORD 

But  was  the  word  of  one  man  sufficient  ground 
to  speak  evil  with  no  chance  given  us  to  deny?  (The 
culprits  are  silent.) 

LYFORD 

(At  last)  Others  have  abused  me.  That  do  I  now 
well  see. 


THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT  129 

BRADFORD 

Can  you  deny  that  outwardly  you  have  concurred 
with  us  about  our  church,  professing  to  be  one  with 
us? 

LYFORD 

(Unwillingly)     I  cannot. 

BREWSTER 

Yet  have  you  not  drawn  a  company  apart  to  ad 
minister  the  service  as  in  the  Church  of  England? 
(LYFORD  hesitates.) 

OLDHAM 

Deny  it,  deny  it. 

BILLINGTON   AND   OTHERS 

He  did,— he  did! 

BREWSTER 

Did  you  this? 

LYFORD 

(Bewildered,  frightened,  looks  about)  Ay.  (He 
bursts  into  tears.)  I  am  a  reprobate,  doing  evil  against 
you,  slandering  you,  abusing  you. 

BRADFORD 

(Sternly)  Then  what  you  have  writ  and  said  was 
false? 

LYFORD 

Yea.  False  and  nought,  both  for  matter  and  man 
ner.  I  doubt  God  will  pardon  me,  so  great  a  re 
probate  am  I.  I  spared  not  to  take  knowledge  of 


130  THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT 

any  evil  that  was  spoken,  but  shut  my  eyes  and  ears 
against  all  the  good. 

BREWSTER 

(Sadly)  Why  have  you  done  these  things? 

LYFORD 

For  pride,  vain  glory,  and  self-love. 
BRADFORD 

JOHN  OLDHAM,  can  you  deny  these  things?  (OLD- 
HAM  is  silent.)  The  case  stands  confessed.  Is  there  any 
reason  why  judgment  should  not  be  given  against  these 
men?  (Cries  of  "Nay.")  Coming  among  us  as  friends, 
this  man  LYFORD  and  his  fellow  OLDHAM  have  plotted 
to  kill  that  for  which  we  left  England,  for  which  we 
crossed  the  Atlantic,  which  we  have  enjoyed  these  last 
four  years — government  by  and  for  ourselves  in  town 
and  church.  Accepting  of  us,  pretending  to  be  of  us, 
they  have  plotted  against  that  which  is  dearer  to  us 
than  our  lives.  (Rising)  JOHN  OLDHAM  and  JOHN 
LYFORD,  you  are  expelled  from  the  settlement  of  Ply 
mouth — you,  OLDHAM,  forthwith.  Your  poor  wife 
and  family  may  stay  the  winter,  or  till  you  can  make 
provision  for  them  comfortably.  For  you,  LYFORD,  we 
would  you  might  see  the  error  of  your  way.  If  not,  in 
six  months  time,  you  also  must  leave.  (All  look  at  LY 
FORD  and  OLDHAM.  OLDHAM  gives  an  angry  shrug.) 

LYFORD 
(Very  humbly)     Less  than  my  faults  deserve. 


THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT 131 

BRADFORD 

(Looking  about  him)  Let  this  be  for  a  warning  that 
what  we  established  here  for  personal  liberty  and  self- 
government,  that  will  we  hold  as  a  heritage  for  our 
children  and  our  children's  children. 

As  the  lights  darken,  the  concealed  choir  sings  the 


ANTHEM 

Words  arranged  from  BRADFORD.1  Music  by  AR 
THUR  FOOTE. 

They  that  sow  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy.  O  ye 
little  handful  least  among  the  thousands  of  Israel, 
ye  have  suffered  for  the  truth  and  have  been  faithful 
witnesses  of  the  same.  Behold  now  the  fruits  of  your 
labors.  You  have  actually  had  a  seed  time.  But  many 
of  you  have  seen  the  joyful  harvest.  Rejoice  and 
again  rejoice,  and  say:  "Glory,  honor  and  power  be  to 
the  Lord  our  God;  for  true  and  righteous  are  his 
judgments."  But  who  hath  done  this?  The  King  of 
Kings  and  Lord  of  Lords.  Halleluiah! 

As  this  is  sung,  the  lights,  going  up  slowly,  reveal 
BRADFORD  sitting  at  a  table  writing  his  history,  his  only 
illumination  a  tallow  dip.  As  the  music  ends,  BRAD 
FORD  stops  his  writings  to  think.  The  lights,  penetrat 
ing  the  darkness  beyond  him  a  little,  show  the  figures 
of  his  fellow-workers,  CLIFTON,  BREWSTER,  ROBINSON, 

^History  I,  15,  Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  ed. 


THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 


CARVER,  STANDISH,  FULLER,  WINSLOW,  like  statues, 
near  at  hand.  After  looking  at  them  a  moment  BRAD 
FORD  lifts  his  head  and  gazes  off. 

VOICE  PROM  THE  ROCK 

(Solemnly  in  the  darkness)  "As  one  candle  may 
light  a  thousand,  so  the  light  here  kindled  hath  shone 
to  many,  yea!  in  some  sort  to  our  whole  nation." 

As  BRADFORD  still  gazes,  the  lights  penetrating  more 
deeply  reveal  in  turn  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  and 
ABRAHAM  LINCOLN. 

WASHINGTON 

The  basis  of  our  political  system  is  the  right  of  the 
people  to  make  and  to  alter  their  constitution  of 
government. 

LINCOLN 

Government  of  the  people,  for  the  people,  by  the 
people,  shall  not  perish  from  the  earth. 

As  LINCOLN  finishes,  two  men  in  modern  dress  come 
toward  the  Rock,  looking  away  seaward. 

FIRST  SPEAKER 

This  was  the  port  of  entry  of  our  freedom. 
Men  brought  it  in  a  box  of  alabaster, 
And  broke  the  box  and  spilled  it  to  the  west 
Here  on  the  granite  wharf  prepared  for  them. 

SECOND  SPEAKER 

And  so  we  have  it. 


THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT  133 

FIRST  SPEAKER 

Have  it  to  achieve; 
We  have  it  as  they  had  it  in  their  day, 
A  little  in  the  grasp — more  to  achieve, 

I  wonder  what  the  Pilgrims  if  they  came 
Would  say  to  us  as  freemen.    Is  our  freedom 
Their  freedom  as  they  left  it  to  our  keeping — 
Or  would  they  know  their  own  in  modern  guise? 

There  is  in  the  orchestra  the  clash  of  cymbals,  the 
thunder  of  drums — War. 

Across  the  back  of  the  Field,  to  march  music,  pass 
the  flags  of  the  allies,  so  lighted  that  they  show  bril 
liantly,  but  not  their  bearers.  Nearer  move  the 
French  and  British  flags,  and  then  all  wave  and 
beckon.  There  follows  a  hush.  Suddenly  from  far 
out  on  the  Mayflower  a  bugle  calls  in  the  darkness, 
and  light  begins  to  glow  on  the  vessel,  but  very  faintly. 

VOICE   OF   THE   ROCK 

"The  path  of  the  Mayflower  must  forever  be  kept 
free." 

At  this  signal  march  swiftly  in  from  all  sides  the  group 
of  Adventures  of  Episode  I,  except  the  Dutch,  to  pass 
in  between  the  flag  bearers  and  the  Bay.  Again  the 
bugle  calls.  Enter  all  of  the  figures  of  Episode  II. 


134  THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

They  pass  behind  the  flag-bearers  and  press  them 
nearer  the  spectators.  The  Dutch  only  do  not  pass  be 
hind  but  line  up  on  each  side  as  if  watching.  As 
these  figures  reach  center,  the  march  which  has  been 
used  thus  far  for  the  entrances  of  the  groups  ends.  As 
each  group  has  entered,  all  have  had  an  increasing 
amount  of  light,  both  carried  in  their  midst  and 
thrown  upon  them  from  the  light  towers.  The  adven 
turers  came  simply  with  torches,  but  each  of  the  suc 
ceeding  groups  is  more  and  more  brilliantly  lighted. 

I  wish  a  song  could  call  them  back  today 
To  say,  or  give  some  sign — an  off-shore  song 
Wide  as  an  off-shore  wind,  but  not  so  hard 
For  a  ship  to  beat  into  port  against. 

SECOND  SPEAKER 

What  is  your  song? 

FIRST  SPEAKER 

The  region  sings  it.     Listen. 
The  concealed  choir  sings 

THE  RETURN  OF  THE  PILGRIMS 

Words  by  ROBERT  FROST — Music  by  JOHN  POWELL 

When  landing  weary  from  the  narrow  deck, 

You  stumbled  up  the  rugged  beach  and  fell, 

Here  still  afraid  of  God,  though  safe  from  wreck, 

You  spoke  a  vow  that  was  a  prayer  as  well. 

And  first  it  was  like  fire  in  grass  and  trees, 

Across  the  open,  up  a  wooded  slope ; 


THE    PILGRIM   SPIRIT 135 

And  then  like  sunlight,  over  both  of  these — 
A  vow  that  was  a  prayer,  that  was  a  hope. 


Your  hope  of  landing  was  your  gift  to  men. 
As  freely  of  it  as  was  yours  to  give 
You  gave  it  to  us  to  be  ours  to  hope  again, 
And  hope  forever  to  be  free  and  live. 

[Your  faith  entrusted  it  to  multitude, 
To  enter  change,  and  not  be  lost 
While  races  by  new  places  were  renewed 
And  by  each  other,  overlapped  and  crossed.] 

No  ship  of  all  that  under  sail  or  steam 
Have  gathered  races  to  us  more  and  more 
But,  Pilgrim-manned,  the  Mayflower  in  a  dream 
Has  been  their  anxious  convoy  to  the  shore. 

[When  losers  come  around  us  like  the  dark 
To  lose  us  to  ourselves  in  peace  and  war 
By  moving  bounds  or  rubbing  out  a  mark 
Your  hope  has  helped  us  cling  to  what  we  are.] 

Come  in  a  Second  Coming  to  the  West, 
Come  in  a  Second  Coming  to  the  land 
Where  once  you  left  the  print  of  feet  impressed 
As  deep  in  rock  as  others  have  in  sand. 
Come  seeing  fresh  again  from  wind  and  wave. 
Say  for  us  we  have  held  the  meaning  fast; 


136  THE    PILGRIM    SPIRIT 

We  are  good  keepers  of  the  gift  you  gave, 
Confirm  us  keepers  of  it  to  the  last. 

On  the  words  "Come — West"  enter  the  Pilgrims 
convoying  forty-eight  young  women  bearing  the  State 
flags. 

Down  the  center  toward  the  ship  go  the  State  flags. 
All  the  actors  making  way  for  them.  So  group  that  all 
eyes  are  on  the  MAYFLOWER.  On  the  last  two  stanzas 
of  the  chorus  the  lights  are  full  on  the  MAYFLOWER,  the 
Pageant  Ground  and  the  harbor  are  Maze  with  light, 
and  great  searchlights  are  sweeping  the  sky.  As  the 
last  line  is  sung  the  Field  darkens  quickly  till  there 
is  light  only  on  the  MAYFLOWER. 

VOICE  FROM  THE  ROCK 

(Solemnly.)     With  malice  toward  none  and  charity 
for  all  it  is  for  us  to  resolve  that  this  nation  under  God 
shall  have  a  new  birth  of  Freedom. 
As  the  light  fades  in  the  MAYFLOWER,  the 


PAGEANT  ENDS 


SOME  MARSHALL  JONES  BOOKS 

FURNITURE   OF  THE   PILGRIM   CENTURY 
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Price,  $2.00 

LIBERTY  AND  DEMOCRACY 

By  Hartley  Burr  Alexander,  Professor  of  Philosophy,  the  University 

of  Nebraska 

The  volume  portrays  the  ideals  of  American  institutions  in  con 
trast  with  Prussianism.  Though  written  as  war-time  essays,  its 
significance  is  limited  to  no  one  period  of  our  history,  as  long  as 
liberty  and  democracy  mean  anything  to  us  and  our  faith  is  in  them. 
The  author  is  a  distinguished  scholar  and  a  frequent  contributor 
to  our  leading  magazines  and  journals. 
Price,  $1,75 

BILINGUAL  SERIES  FOR  NEW  AMERICANS 

The  Massachusetts  Society  of  Colonial  Dames  at  the  suggestion 
of  the  Massachusetts  Free  Library  Commission  has  undertaken  the 
publication  of  a  series  of  volumes  on  American  history,  biography 
and  ideals  which  shall  contribute  to  a  better  understandin ;  between 
the  new  Americans  and  the  old.  The  first  volume  (described  below), 
was  published  in  1920  and  met  with  favor.  A  new  edition  will  be 
published  shortly  edited  by  Charles  Hall  Grandgent  of  Harvard 
University  and  will  be  greatly  improved.  It  will  probably  be 
illustrated  and  contain  maps. 

THE  STORY  OF  AMERICA,  in     Italian     and     English. 

By  Alberto  Pecorini $1.00 

THE  STORY  OF  AMERICA,  in  Polish  and  English.    In 

preparation.    By  Alberto  Pecorini $1.00 

THE  STORY   OF  AMERICA,  in  English. 

By  Alberto  Pecorini Probable  price       .60 

THE  MEANING  OF  ARCHITECTURE,  an  Essay  in  Constructive 

Criticism 

By  Irving  K.  Pond 

Being  the  study  of  an  abiding  principle  and  an  analysis  of  the 
forms  of  its  manifestation  in  the  life  and  architecture  of  the  past — 
an  application  of  the  principle  in  the  expression  of  present  day 
ideals — and  a  statement  of  the  individual's  responsibility  in  the 
developing  art  of  a  democracy. 

Colored  frontispiece  and  thirty-seven  drawings  by  the  author. 
Price,  $2.25 

MARSHALL  JONES  COMPANY 

212  SUMMER  STREET  BOSTON,  MASS. 


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